MANITOULIN—“We scare hunger!”
Every Halloween, Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) goes beyond the costumes and candy to make a meaningful impact on the local community. This year was no exception, as SHARE/Go Green hosted their annual “Halloween for Hunger” event, which left a lasting impression on students, staff, and the entire Manitoulin Island community.
On Halloween night, instead of asking for candy, over 36 students from various Manitoulin Island communities asked for canned food donations. These individuals volunteered their time to ensure the widespread collection of non-perishable food items was a success. Their dedication to this cause exemplified their commitment to their local communities making Halloween for Hunger a remarkable and heartwarming event.
Halloween for Hunger also included a homeroom challenge, engaging the competitive spirit of students for a good cause. Mr. Balfe’s Grade 12 Math class emerged victorious from this week-long challenge, having raised the most amount of money for the cause. Instead of opting for the reward of a class pizza party, they decided to use their win as an opportunity to make soup for MSS students. This choice embodied the spirit of this initiative and allowed all students to celebrate the good work they’ve done.
The door-to-door collection and the homeroom challenge resulted in an astounding total of 1,071.2 pounds of donated food and a monetary donation of $860. These contributions went to the Manitoulin Family Resources (MFR) food bank to help ensure those in need have access to nutritious meals, especially during the colder months when food insecurity can be particularly challenging.
On Friday, November 3 three MSS students and two teacher volunteers delivered these donations to MFR. These students were able to witness firsthand how the school’s donations make a difference in a community. The food bank plays a crucial role in ensuring those in need have access to essential items, especially on Manitoulin where communities can be isolated from support systems. The students were given a tour of the food bank and shown what their services look like for clients. During the tour, it became apparent how hard-working and dedicated the food bank’s volunteers are. This tour served as a valuable educational experience, highlighting the significance of community support and reinforcing the importance of giving back.
Along with the MFR food bank, a portion of the food donations went towards The Living Well Locker, which provides food and other essential items to students who may be facing food insecurity. This resource ensures that students have access to necessary supplies throughout the year.
The impact of Halloween for Hunger extends beyond just the numbers and statistics. It is another demonstration of the close-knit Manitoulin community coming together to support each other. The number of people needing to access food resources is higher than ever and so is the need for a call to action around food insecurity on Manitoulin. Collecting non-perishable food items all across the Island brought awareness to the importance of helping others and ensuring they have a meal to go home to. The homeroom challenge winner’s choice to make soup for their peers and the educational tour of the Food Bank show that it’s not just about the donations but also the spirit of giving and the understanding of the importance of supporting the community around you.
