AAM Goodfellows pack 92 food baskets for those in need

Volunteers with the AAM Goodfellows pack the baskets at the Columbus Community Hall Dec. 18.

The AAM Goodfellows did their part to assist people in need during the holiday season.

The Goodfellows packed a total of 92 food baskets just before the Christmas holidays at the Columbus Community Hall and distributed them from that same location. AAM Goodfellows president Rick Murray said they had 88 people register in 2024 and they usually pack a few extra baskets just in case they need them.

The Goodfellows raised over $15,000 in their Dec. 13-14 newspaper sales and worked with Sobeys again to purchase the food for the baskets. Murray said the newspaper sales are how the Goodfellows pay for the food.

Long-time volunteer Margaret Sprague helped collect the information from people who needed Goodfellow baskets then helped pack them.

“Any food left over is donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” said Murray.

A strong contingent of volunteers helped pack the baskets Dec. 18 and that was pleasing to Murray.

“It’s nice to see we’ve got a good turnout,” he said.

Among the turnout packing the baskets were a number of youth. There were also young people helping to distribute them Dec. 19 as members of the North Star Wolves boys hockey team were known to be among the volunteers on hand that morning.

“We’re trying to get the kids involved,” said Murray. “It’s good to see. We appreciate it.”

Graham Evans, Mason Long, Trevor Paquette and Ryan Reid from North Star High School's boys hockey team helped pack and distribute Goodfellow baskets Dec. 19 at the Columbus Community Hall in Amherstburg. (Submitted photo)

The number of people requesting food baskets declined, Murray added.

“It means a lot of people are no longer in need,” he said. “If they are, we are here to help them out.”

By Ron Giofu