Simcoe Hall receives big donation

By Chris Jones/The Oshawa Express

Simcoe Hall Settlement House has received a cheque worth $5,000 from the Kiwanis Club of Oshawa Durham A.M.

According to Rita Nave, Simcoe Hall’s fund development manager, the Kiwanis club has given a contribution to Simcoe Hall for many years, but members of the club realized there was more of a need this year due to COVID-19.

Nave explains it all began with a text asking what Simcoe Hall needs.

“There were some items needed for the food bank and they said we’re going to help you,” she explains.

Nave says some of the funds will go towards food bins, which they didn’t anticipate needing.

She notes the gymnasium connected to Simcoe Hall has been transformed “as though it’s Christmas,” and there’s been an increase in the number of people coming to their door.

But that prompts a problem for Simcoe Hall.

“With summer upon us, this is the time of year people don’t typically donate,” says Nave.

On top of the season, because of COVID-19, many residents are having trouble financially and aren’t able to donate.

Since people are “hanging onto their money,” Nave says Simcoe Hall has had to go to other organizations and companies for help.

However, right now there’s been an influx of food donations not normally seen in the summer, and storage is important, according to Food Bank Coordinator Kate Korgemagi.

Since operations have been moved to the gym where there is no air conditioning, Korgemagi explains storage is becoming increasingly important. She explains they have to put food in bins in order to keep any “unwanted guests” away from it as well.

“We’re a little bit overwhelmed, and some of our boxes are deteriorating,” she explains.

She adds there is also a need for dollies to help organize the food.

Nave points out they are looking for reusable grocery bags, as much of their clientele is homeless, and they need to store the food safely for them.

“Having a bag just eliminates a lot of the worry,” she says.

With the COVID-19 pandemic slowly beginning to wind down, Korgemagi expresses her appreciation for the $5,000 donation, as well as for those who have been helping them during this trying time.

“We really do appreciate the huge donations and sacrifices people are making so other people can benefit,” she says.