Annual Poor Boy’s Luncheon returns to support WWRC
By Amanda Nelson
The Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre (WWRC) Annual Community Luncheon fundraiser, also known as the Poor Boy’s Luncheon, will once again take place this year at the New Hamburg Community Centre, 251 Jacob St., New Hamburg, on Sept. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and then from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The annual event, which has taken place since 1994, is a fundraiser for corporate and sponsor donations that are used to fund programs and services offered at WWRC.
“There's some programs and departments that are not funded and some that are only partially funded,” said Trisha Robinson, executive director. “The bulk of the food bank is not funded. We get a small portion from the Region of Waterloo, but we rely on donations to support our food bank and so many other programs.”
This year’s fundraising goal is $40,000, which will be used across several different departments throughout the WWRC, including children’s programming, coffee house talks, free income tax prep, food bank deliveries, mental health support, family violence counselling, harm reduction kits, community lunches and outreach.
Robinson says that as prices for everyday expenses and living costs rise, the need within the community rises, too. This, along with lower funding, makes events such as the community luncheon vital to overall operations at WWRC.
“As things get harder, funding reduces, and our numbers go up, we feel it,” said Robinson. “The food bank just keeps growing and growing and the need in the community gets bigger and bigger. We're really happy to provide food for people, but the numbers just keep getting higher.”
Half of the funds WWRC needs to function throughout the year come from community donations, meaning they need to raise close to $500,000 to keep operating and supporting the community.
The goal of the day is not just to fundraise, but to break bread together, without barriers, said Robinson.
“It’s about the community coming together to share a meal,” she said. “Some people depend on it, some people come twice because they really like beans and wieners, some are our volunteers, some from our local service clubs and others are local businesses and business owners; it’s for the whole community.”
The Annual Community Luncheon Fundraiser ensures that WWRC can continue to serve the community year-round. Several local businesses have stepped up to be sponsors or offer donations, and the WWRC is thankful to all sponsors and donors.
To donate, please visit the WWRC sponsorship page at https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E363271QE&id=19
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