By Emily Stonehouse

In the hustle and bustle of a small town, we may not often stop to see that our neighbours are hurting. 

That’s something that Gena Robertson, the executive director of SIRCH community services, wants to fix. 

“In 2010, we did a survey in one of our groups, after they paid for their fixed costs, their different bills, what they had left for food,” she shared, “and we were absolutely shocked with the results.” 

Robertson said that these results kickstarted the drive to develop initiatives around low income families, and food security. 

And so began SIRCH’s community kitchen program, offering hot meals to anyone in need. The program operates with community distribution partners; thirteen to be exact, including health and mental health providers, food banks, subsidized housing providers, and other community services who may know of individuals or families who need assistance. 

“This isn’t to replace food banks,” said Robertson. “It’s in addition to that. It’s for people who may not have a place to cook a meal, who may be recovering from a surgery, or may be too frail to shop for themselves.” 

Since 2020, SIRCH has made and distributed over 75,000 healthy meals and soups, and over 15,000 fruit desserts. From April to November of this year alone, they have delivered over 9,950 meals, and 4,570 soups to residents in Haliburton County and North Hastings through partner organizations. 

“That is all thanks to donations raised during our Gifts from the Heart Campaigns,” said Robertson. “And the need has gone way up.” 

SIRCH does not receive any government funding for their community kitchen initiatives, and is entirely reliant on fundraising to continue their programs. This year, their goal through Gifts from the Heart, the fundraiser directly aligned with the meals program, is $150,000. Normally, they surpass their target goal, yet this year, they are just past their halfway point, with less than three weeks to go. 

“Prices are high, and people are being cautious with their money this year,” said Robertson. 

She also noted that SIRCH often does a mail-out for the fundraiser, but this year, with the Canada Post strike showing no signs of ending, she believes it may be causing some hiccups in the fundraising process. “I am hoping that there may be some cheques in the mail that we will get later,” she said. 

If SIRCH does not meet their goal, Robertson says that they’ve got some tough choices to make. “If we only get a portion, we have to decide where it goes,” she said. “Do we shorten the program, or offer it to fewer people?” 

While the outcome is uncertain, Robertson is hopeful that the results are favourable in a few weeks time. “We’ve always made our goal,” she said. “People are generous whenever they can be.” 

To donate to Gifts from the Heart fundraising campaign and SIRCH’s community kitchen for those in need, visit www.sirch.on.ca.