LITTLE CURRENT—You may not be able to see them, but the smiles are practically shining through the microphones at the 100.7 The Island radio station following the stellar success of their December 10 radiothon in support of Manitoulin Family Resources’ food hamper program.
“We are pretty happy,” admitted station co-owner Kelly (KT) Timmermans. “I had set a goal of $8,000, which I thought was pretty optimistic. In the end we received a total of $8,730 in pledges.”
There were 61 individual pledges this year and the funds raised will make a major difference in the food hamper program.
“The need is very great this year,” said Ms. Timmermans, who noted that the number of hampers being prepared by the MFR Help Centre staff and volunteers is up dramatically this year. “Last year there were 380 hampers but the demand is up a lot, so much so that there will be 420 food baskets going out this year.”
Ms. Timmermans, Corey Barnes and Mike (Big Mike) Abel were operating the phones while local musicians entertained the listeners.
“A huge thank you has to go out to Dixie (Glen McDougal) and the Down Yonder Band, to Ben Lentir, George Williamson, Robbie Shawana and Dylan Shigwadja,” said Ms. Timmermans. “They came in and played, kept us going right down to the wire.”
The radiothon helps to provide a badly needed cash infusion into the food hamper program. “They get a lot of donations of food and stuff, which is great,” said Ms. Timmermans, “but they really need the cash donations as well.” The cash donations help buy the turkeys and perishable items that add the familiar taste of Christmas to the day.
“We also have to thank all our listeners and want to remind them to honour their pledges,” said Ms. Timmermans. “It will make all the difference in the lives of those who need all of our help to have a Merry Christmas.”
