The fourth annual Anthony's HOPE initiative comes at a good time for the Inn of the Good Shepherd, which is in desperate need of household staples.
Anthony’s HOPE (Helping Other People Eat) food drive will be held at Imperial Theatre in Sarnia on June 17 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. An online silent auction will also run from June 12 until June 16.
The food drive was launched a few years ago in honour of Anthony Fracalanza, who died at the age of 31, and was an active member of Theatre Sarnia and a staff member at the Inn of the Good Shepherd.
"It was a shock to us all and it hit right in the early stages of COVID which made it even tougher," said Inn of the Good Shepherd Executive Director Myles Vanni. "So it's a wonderful way to honour Anthony because he was always a cheerful, hopeful guy, and was just great at helping and serving our clients."
Vanni said they tend to see a drop in donations around this time of year, due to people going on vacation and the school year ending.
"Things like canned fruit, hygiene products, canned meats, those are all things that are staples for the folks that we have," Vanni said.
A list of requested items can be found below.
In 2022, 1,748 pounds of food was raised and over $2,800 cash was raised through the silent auction.
Imperial Theatre Executive Director Brian Austin Jr. said the silent auction was launched last year and they're hoping to build on its success.
"There are lots of great prizes, lots of downtown restaurant gift certificates, some theatre tickets, there are some games -- a copy of Sarnia-Opoly that's up for grabs," said Austin Jr.
Food Items that are desperately needed are:
- Peanut Butter - Jam - Large Soups - Large Juice - Canned Pasta - Canned Vegetables - Canned Meat - Pasta Sauce - Cereal - School Snacks - Dish Soap - Sugar - Coffee - Eggs - Kraft Dinner - Toiletries
Items that benefit those experiencing chronic homelessness include:
- Boost/Ensure - “Pop top” cans (no can opener needed) - Juice boxes - Granola bars
