CORNWALL, Ontario – Approximately 600 dozen, or 7,200 extra eggs were donated to the Agapè Centre on Thursday, Dec. 13 for clients of the food bank.
Staff received the large donation on behalf of Egg Farmers of Ontario (EFO) and the Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB).
The Agapè Centre was set to receive the extra eggs after placing first in an online contest that was held across the province in October. Second and third place locations, in Sarnia and St. Thomas, will also be awarded with extra eggs for community members in need.
Stephanie Nalepa, Fund Development Coordinator at Agapè Centre, said there were a total of over 40,000 votes cast online.
“We were the first-place winners and that was thanks of course to the community who went out and voted for us,” said Nalepa. Nalepa explained that the contest was advertised to community members on social media and by word of mouth.
“This is an absolutely wonderful partnership,” said Joanne Sytsma, OAFB Board of Directors member. “Eggs are such an excellent source of protein. They’re easily prepared and they’re an ideal food to add to our hampers for clients.”
The extra eggs will be distributed to the families and clients who utilize the food bank.
“Egg farmers (of Ontario) have been donating since 2014,” explained Melissa Bourdon of EFO. “They have been giving 1,200 dozens of eggs every month, so it (costs) over $250,000 every year (to donate).”
Bourdon said that in 2014, EFO partnered with OAFB to give back to community members in the province. The EFO is currently comprised of 440 farmers, and all donations are entirely funded by them.
“It’s heartwarming when you hear that 40 per cent of the food bank users are children. It means a lot, how farmers are able to do a little bit for their community,” said Bourdon. Bourdon and her family own a farm in Maxville.
Nalepa said that the donation is greatly appreciated, especially at this time of year when some families are especially in need.
