Non-profit organization first launched in 2018.
Gravenhurst Against Poverty has been serving the community for more than four years, and its programs and services are always expanding.
Here is an update about what the non-profit organization is doing.
FOOD PROGRAM
Gravenhurst Against Poverty’s food days are Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Volunteers prepare meals at Trinity United Church for the Tuesday pickups, which occur between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and distribute meals from the Red Crosson Thursdays, where some recipients receive deliveries while others pick up their meals from the church.
The food deliveries launched during COVID-19, when people could no longer gather at the church. Those who are within walking distance are now encouraged to pick up their meals so volunteer drivers can prioritize those in more remote areas or with transportation barriers.
At its height, the organization was distributing 650 food packages a week. At press time, just under 600 food packages were being distributed weekly.
GAP GARDENS
Gravenhurst Against Poverty is asking local gardeners and businesses to participate in its GAP Gardens project, where fresh produce is grown as a supplement to its food program.
Even if community members plant an extra five per cent to be donated to the program, it would make a big difference, said chair Bonnie Dart.
Several businesses and local schools have committed to the project, which has run successfully for the past few years.
Green and yellow beans, zucchini, lettuce and other fresh salad greens, radishes, green onions and rhubarb are among the most popular vegetables.
Gravenhurst Against Poverty is asking community gardeners, groups and businesses to dedicate some of their crops to the organization’s food program. – Gravenhurst Against Poverty photo
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
Transportation is a big barrier in Gravenhurst, where there is no bus that operates within the town. Gravenhurst Against Poverty has a partnership with Bala Taxi, where vouchers for no-cost taxi rides are offered for essential in-town trips for things like for medical appointments, groceries, work, the food bank and laundry.
There is also a volunteer driver program, where people can sign up to help offer rides to those in need.
Vice-chair and grant writer Judy Campbell said there is a need for more volunteer drivers, as well as more uptick in the transportation program, in order to keep it going.
The success and results of viagra cialis generico have been astounding. In relation to infants, having the young children to bed eventually can actually complete a dissimilarity. cheap cialis http://ronaldgreenwaldmd.com/procedures/brain-procedures/jannetta-procedure-for-cranial-neuralgia/ Before you rake any pill make sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any uk cialis sales precautions and warnings that may apply to you. There are certain things that you can do http://ronaldgreenwaldmd.com/procedures/neck-procedures/anterior-cervical-discectomy-and-fusion-acdf/ cialis from canadian pharmacy in these situations? Almost nothing.YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM
The organization has been hosting virtual programming and hangouts for young adults ages 12 to 29 for the past year. April 22 will mark the first in-person session at Trinity United Church.
The hangouts have allowed young people to socialize, learn new skills and support each other’s mental well-being.
COMMUNITY HUB AND HOUSING PROJECT
Gravenhurst Against Poverty has a vision for a community hub and young adult centre with space for emergency and affordable housing.
Initially, the hope was to assume the Ing Building in Gravenhurst, but the space was recently sold for $1.3 million. However, the realtor has reached out to the buyers to see if there is any interest in leasing some of the space to Gravenhurst Against Poverty.
Meanwhile, Dart said, the organization is actively looking for alternative spaces.
Gravenhurst Against Poverty volunteers John Latour, Peter Stolpmann, Patty Ferrari, and Kate McNiece prepare food packages to be distributed to the community. – Gravenhurst Against Poverty photo
GRAVENHURST FARMERS’ MARKET
Gravenhurst Against Poverty volunteers will once again act as greeters at the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market, which opens for the season on June 1. Volunteers welcome people to the market, explain the rules and COVID-19 protocols and count people as they enter.
From their donation jar alone, the organization collected $8,000 at the market last year.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gravenhurst Against Poverty is based at Trinity United Church at 290 Muskoka Rd. N. in Gravenhurst. Its website is www.gravenhurstagainstpoverty.com.
General inquiries/volunteer driver program can be reached at 705-641-2225.
To be added to the food program, call 705-646-3733.
To register for the no-cost taxi program, call 705-646-5349 (calls are answered/returned on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 4 p.m.).
Sarah Law – Gravenhurst Banner – Tuesday, April 12, 2022