Musical talent from around the area was showcased on the weekend all to help an area food pantry.
“An Evening of Hope” was held last Saturday night at Harrow United Church with the proceeds benefiting Project Hope Windsor-Essex. Project Hope operates the Harrow Food Pantry located in front of Harrow Arena and was founded in 2019 by Taylor Gorick and her husband Steve Pomerleau.
“It's beautiful to see this room full of people,” Gorick told the crowd assembled.
Gorick told the crowd they started making care packages for those in need in Windsor as a way to give back and show their appreciation for what they have.
After feeling they could do more, they started Project Hope Windsor-Essex. The pantry was built in partnership with the Fortis Group and other community partners.
“We wanted to do something more sustainable,” she said.
About 1,700 items were distributed in 2022 and the need grew in 2023, she added, with 1,900 food items given out.
“It may be a tiny building but a lot of hope is created by what happens there,” said Gorick.
When people pull up to the Harrow Community Pantry, they get a list of items and get to make a choice of what they want. They get to come back once per week. The number of volunteers has grown to about 25, Gorick added, as has their social media presence.
“We want people to be able to maintain their dignity,” she said.
Gorick stated the people the pantry helps are not just homeless people or those battling addiction.
“You never know when it could be you, a family member or a neighbour,” said Gorick.
Rev. Darrow Woods of Harrow United Church recalled being a ten-year-old boy and only having kidney beans that he had to share with younger siblings. He said a small contribution could “brighten someone's day.”
There were ten musical acts on the night, including Lauren Baillargeon of Amherstburg.
By Ron Giofu
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