The COVID pandemic isn't stopping St. Pat's High School from holding its Cyclone Aid food drive, although the annual fundraiser will be held entirely online this year.
The school is hoping to raise $28,000 for the Inn of the Good Shepherd. That's one dollar for every pound of food that's usually brought in through door-to-door canvassing.
Chaplaincy Leader Ann Clarke is happy to see the return of Cyclone Aid after it had to be cancelled in 2020.
"Of course, it was a huge disappointment and there was so much happening at the time," said Clarke. "When we gathered this year and looked at it, the staff and students felt very strongly that we had to do whatever we could to support Cyclone Aid this year. It's very much a part of the identity of St. Pat's."
The Inn of the Good Shepherd says they've seen an increased need due to COVID. Between last April and September, they distributed over 6,000 emergency food boxes. Since the pandemic began, the number of people using the shelter has increased from 35 to over 220.
Donations can be made up until April 9 by visiting www.theinnsarnia.ca/donate. You can also drop off or mail money to the inn at 115 John St.
The school's 37th annual Irish Miracle fundraiser, held in December, brought in $5,000 from the St. Pat’s community, and over $20,000 from online donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
