The Chatham Goodfellows are known for their annual “No Child Without A Christmas” campaign.
With Easter now in jeopardy for many local families, the Goodfellows are stepping in to help provide some Easter treats for those in need.
The Goodfellows have purchased chocolate for distribution through three local agencies who are all practicing safe, physical distancing for the distribution of the Easter packages.
“We felt compelled to do what we can to offer some form of normalcy for the kids of Chatham-Kent and try to help out a bit,” says Goodfellows Director Tim Mifflin. “Right now there’s a lot of people that are having a hard time. Many people have been put out of work, not by any fault of their own. So we’re doing the best we can and we will help out those who need help.”
Mifflin says the Goodfellows code pushed them in this direction. The code reads as follows:
“It’s helping the young and old to know that some cares when ill winds blow. It’s smoothing the way when the road is rough. Understanding a neighbours plight, and caring enough to do what’s right.”
Mifflin adds that the Goodfellows are already working on and worried about this year’s Christmas campaign, with the knowledge that the local area may have many additional families in need.
“We are buckling down actually right now working on plans for the upcoming Christmas season,” said Mifflin. “We’re in a difficult fight right now.”
Giant Tiger in Chatham is partnering with the Goodfellows Easter project, supplying more than 1,000 chocolate bunnies and “Peeps” marshmallow treats.
Those interested in taking part in the Easter program are encouraged to contact each individual agency involved in distribution. They include:
1. FreeHelp CK
137 Queen Street Chatham
Telephone: 519-990-5178
FreeHelpCK.ca
Please call for direction for pickup2. Wish Centre
177 King Street West Chatham
Telephone: 519-354-5248
Facebook Page – Wish Centre
Please call for distribution details the offices is not open for the public3. Outreach for Hunger
10 Wellington Street West Chatham
Telephone: 519-351-8381
Outreachforhunger.com
**pickup is Wednesday and Thursday 11am-3:30 pm