They walked to help Feed Nova Scotia

By Christy Marsters

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

A small group walked along the streets of Windsor Oct. 26 to show support for Feed N.S.

Mayor Anna Allen said the number of people who went walking in this second annual event was down from the previous year, but the amount raised for the local food bank increased. “We had lots of corporate sponsors this year. We really have to thank them.”

Overall, this was a success, Allen said. “Everyone has a responsibility to look after each other. This just shows we’re a caring community and we have some amazing volunteers.”

This year, the second Feed N.S. walk in Windsor raised $2,800 for the local Food Bank.

Father Michael Walsh of St. John the Evangelist Church in Windsor and of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Hantsport himself helped raised about $900 for Feed N.S.

It wasn’t hard to send out e-mails to a few people, to post notes on the church bulletin or to mention the initiative during masses, Walsh said. “And, people were very generous.”

People just kept coming forward, and by the end, there were about 50 people willing to contribute to the $900 raised mostly within the two churches, Walsh said. “I was surprised, but pleased,” he said. “I think it really says good things about the people here.”

This project will be something to continue working on in other years because there’s still a need there, and it’d be nice to get more of the churches in town involved, Walsh added. “Food is one of the basic necessities for people… As everybody needs something to eat.”

Sarah Bishop, 13, was one of an estimated 35 people to walk the five kilometers through Windsor and around Lake Pisiquid on the causeway to help raise awareness for Feed N.S. “It’s nice to get exercise and to have other people see us,” Bishop said. “Just to help out.”

Recreation programmer Jim Lambert said it’s amazing the things people take for granted, because there will be people choosing between heat and groceries this Christmas season. “It’s so hard for some to just survive… If we can feed another hungry family, I’m happy.”

Windsor exceeded every other community in the province with this because there is a lot of interest here to support Feed N.S. as a potential province wide initiative, Lambert said. “It brings a public awareness to the community to help them understand there is a need,” he noted. “A need to give back to the food bank,” Lambert said. “The event shows the importance of our food bank. If there is anyway people could continue to support them, please do. “And, look out for this walk next year in October,” Lambert added.