NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN AURORA/NEWMARKET
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What do you get when a community-minded women’s group mixes a local business, French cuisine, and local food banks together? A recipe for success.
The Canadian Federation of University Women Aurora/Newmarket (CFUW A/N) held their first Care-to-Share dinner and virtual cooking class, raising $1,500 for community food banks.
Over 130 members of CFUW A/N, the Aurora Seniors Centre and the local community purchased meals that included a $10 food bank donation for this year's Care-to-Share dinner and virtual cooking class, which took place on May 25. There was also an option of donating for those who just wanted to attend the virtual cooking class.
“Food insecurity has had an impact on residents of York Region, so we felt compelled to support the families who struggle to put good food on the table because of layoffs and the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, said Carolynn Schiller, CFUW A/N social committee chair.
The result is that the Aurora Food Pantry, King Township Food Bank, and the Newmarket Food Pantry each will receive $500 to support their programs.
“The CFUW event benefits those who are most vulnerable and in need at this time. The Aurora Food Pantry purchases fresh produce, proteins and dairy weekly for our clients, and this donation will assist us in continuing to provide healthy foods to our community,” says Sandra Seepaul, executive director.
This sentiment was echoed by Meline Beach, secretary of the board of the King Township Food Bank.
“As we do not receive government funding, it is the generosity of the community that makes it possible for our organization to provide assistance throughout King Township.”
Adrian Bain, executive director of the Newmarket Food Pantry highlights just how far a donation like this will go to purchase fresh and frozen food for their community.
“For every dollar donated, we can stretch that into $3 due to our wholesale and supplier partnerships and buying in bulk. We are so fortunate to have community groups like CFUW supporting us. They are true community champions.”
This year, the club’s traditional end-of-year dinner was transformed into an in-home gourmet dining experience and a virtual cooking class with Chef Martial of La Brehandaise Market in Richmond Hill. Diners enjoyed a three-course gourmet meal, learned about French cuisine, and watched the preparation of a soup appetizer and the salmon and chicken entrees.
“The support and generosity made this event a great success — it was the perfect way to end our year,” said Anne Marie Devine, communications chair for CFUW A/N. “We appreciate how our members and the community rallies behind our fundraising events to support projects like this as well as our scholarship program.”
For more information about CFUW Aurora/Newmarket and the work they do, visit here.
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