There's a good news-bad news situation for a Windsor-Essex food bank.
First, the bad news. Southwestern Ontario Gleaners, based in Leamington, is keeping its headquarters closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though food banks have been deemed essential by the federal government, SWO Gleaners said the temporary closure is necessary to help slow the spread of the virus.
"The safety of our volunteers and staff is our most important responsibility," read a media release. "We hope when our area gets out of the Grey level of lockdown, we will be able to re-open for volunteers."
Then, the good news. Despite the pandemic, Gleaners announced higher-than-expected totals in its annual Christmas fundraiser. About $60,000 in donations came in, smashing the $50,000 goal. The food bank says the funding will help send supplies to Central America and Africa.
"This money helped the SWO Gleaners send 500,000 servings of dehydrated vegetable mix to Honduras through Ports of Hope in December," read the release. "It also assisted in costs associated with packaging 250,000 servings of mix that will be sent to Liberia in February through the Loads of Love."
If you wish to contact Gleaners or get more information about its programs, call (519) 326-7687, or visit the official website.
