Bill Cunningham and Roland Bernier, Port Elgin Food Bank volunteers, welcomed Bruce Power’s annual donation. In all, Bruce Power donated $53,000 to local food bank and Christmas Hamper programs across the region.

The holiday season will be a bit brighter for many local families after Bruce Power donated $53,000 to 26 local food banks and Christmas hamper programs.

“At this time of year, there is a lot of pressure on people to provide a special Christmas for their families,” said Rob Liddle, Bruce Power’s Department Manager of Community Relations. “By providing funding to 26 food banks and Christmas Hamper programs, we’re hoping to lighten the load on local families, helping them to further enjoy the holiday season.”

In a December 16 media release, the funding is part of Bruce Power’s Community Investment and Sponsorship Program, which provides nearly $1.4 million in funding to local, provincial and national not-for-profit organizations and events each year.

Recipients of the funding in and around Saugeen Shores included St. Vincent de Paul Society (Port Elgin); The Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation; Salvation Army Family Services (Port Elgin).

Other recipients around the region were St. Vincent de Paul Society (Hanover); Bruce Grey Child and Family Services; M'Wikwedong Aboriginal Friendship Centre; North Huron Community Food Share; ; Kincardine Food Bank; Tobermory Food Bank; Salvation Army Goderich Food Bank; Markdale District Food Bank; Durham and District Food Bank; Flesherton Food Bank; Beaver Valley Outreach; Walkerton and District Food Bank; Owen Sound Salvation Army Food Bank; Lion’s Head Food Bank; Tara Area Food Bank; Immanuel Evangelical Church; Hanover Salvation Army Food Bank; Owen Sound Hunger and Relief Effort (OSHaRE); Salvation Army Family Services and Food Bank; Bruce County Social Services; Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation; Kincardine Christmas Hamper and Chatsworth Community Outreach.