MANITOULIN—Choir leaders Jane Best and Chris Theijsmeijer’s “gift to the community” was a benefit concert with proceeds to Manitoulin Family Resources (MFR). It was meant to not only be a choral event, but one to offer assistance.
MFR board chair Suzanne Norris addressed the audience and performers saying, “it is a pleasure and honour to be here tonight.” Ms Norris shared some startling and concerning statistics and a call for community action. MFR experienced a 64 percent increase in demand throughout April-May 2024 compared to the same time period the previous year while concurrently experiencing a 81 percent reduction in the volume of food donations throughout the same time period.
by Sharon Jackson