Springdale launches food drive
Wednesday December 12, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
A staff member at Springdale Country Manor is spearheading a competition between Peterborough-area long-term care homes to see who can bring in the biggest haul of non-perishable food items to a local food bank.

The competition kicks off today (Dec. 12) and will carry on until the end of January, explains Sandra Munro, the personal support worker and supportive measures specialist at Springdale who came up with the idea.

The food drive is also a way to engage residents, notes Munro, who says many of the residents who can’t get out to shop are asking family members to bring something in for them to drop off in the food box.

Aside from food, residents and staff members are encouraged to drop off toiletries, such as shampoo and soap into the food box.

“I’ve spoken with a lot of the residents and they think it’s a good idea, and it makes them a part of it,” she says. “I thought it was the best involvement for the residents we could give.”

This is the first year for the competition, which is involving Riverview Manor and a few other homes in the area. Whichever home raises the most food will receive a lunch for residents and staff members courtesy of Domino’s Pizza.

Staff members are sending out letters to as many long-term care homes and family members as possible. Munro is considering taking the challenge to a local radio station to get some more publicity.

Residents have been helping Munro get the project off the ground by decorating the drop-off boxes and loading up the food.

Munro also welcomes anyone from the community to drop off non-perishable food items at Springdale. Individuals may also make a food donation in the name of a resident.

For more information on the food drive, call (705) 742-8811.