Lincoln County Humane Society opens Niagara’s first Community Fridge at their Animal Shelter
MEDIA RELEASE
(St. Catharines, ON) Lincoln County Humane Society opens Niagara’s first Community Fridge at their Animal Shelter
The Lincoln County Humane Society announces the opening of their Community Fridge. The fridge, designed to serve people in the community who are in need, is located in front of the 4th Avenue, St. Catharines Animal Shelter.
For several years, Executive Director Kevin Strooband had the idea and recently pitched it to his Board of Directors. The Board provided a resounding ‘yes’. “We are in a fortunate position, based on our location and layout to be able to better help and serve our community” said Strooband. “Animals and people are fundamentally linked and as the LCHS is a committed organization concerned with all vulnerable members of our community, helping people in need, within our compassionate city, is a natural thing to do.” While operating outside its mandate of helping animals, the shelter recognizes the benefit of a healthy, caring and compassionate community.
The fridge will be open at the LCHS from 7am to 7pm and the Humane Society has partnered with Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold on this project. Community Care CEO Betty-Lou Souter welcomed the opportunity the LCHS presented. “This is another outlet for the agency to enhance and extend it’s food security program giving those without transportation an opportunity to ensure their pantries are not bare. ” said Souter. “Working in partnership with the LCHS further demonstrates that together we are making our community a better place to live, play and grow. ”
The Community Fridge, the first of its kind in Niagara, is located in the gazebo located on the front lawn of the shelter. Those in need are welcome to take what they need, while community members are asked to donate what they can. The LCHS is accepting monetary donations and donations of items for the fridge, which includes a pantry, such as produce, dry goods, commercially prepared foods, canned products and non-food items, such as: personal care and hygiene products. Items such as left overs, opened goods and dented cans cannot be accepted. The LCHS is also looking for volunteers to assist with the Community Fridge – keeping it clean, inventory restocked, expiry dates checked, etc.
Funding for the fridge and room construction was provided by the St. Catharines Rotary Club ($15,000), Grantham Lions Club ($2,500), Merritton Lions Club ($1,000) and the St. David’s Lions Club ($750).
Learn more here: https://lchs.ca/communityfridge/
Current Wish List (July 2021)
We are looking for the following non-expired food items for the fridge:
- Dairy – fresh, canned or powdered milk (any size)
- Butter / Margerine
- Eggs
- Baby formula
- Produce
- Cheese
- Drinks (non-alcoholic) (apple, orange, etc)
- Yogurt
- Packaged fresh meats (bacon/sausage/chicken)
We are looking for the following dry food items:
- Pasta & pasta sauces
- Rice
- Instant rice/pasta packages
- Canned meats and fish (tuna, flaked ham & poultry)
- Meat alternatives (peanut butter, soy, assorted nuts)
- Canned goods (beans, soups, stews)
- Canned vegetables and fruit
- Whole grain cereal
- Instant foods and baby formula
- Bread and buns
- Applesauce
We are looking for the following non-food items:
- Bathroom tissue and diapers (up to size 5)
- Personal hygiene products (shaving cream, razors
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
