YARMOUTH, N.S. — It only took one Facebook post to show that Yarmouth residents once again have a hungry appetite when it comes to supporting their community.
At the end of October the Town of Yarmouth put out an appeal to the public, saying financial donations were needed to help with the 100 Meals campaign.
Already a successful initiative, the 100 Meals campaign is entering its third year. The program will run from mid-December to late March 2020. Last year, 6,500 meals were served.
The program was initially set up to help residents who may need a little extra help during the coldest days of winter, but the meals are also for everyone and have turned into wonderful social events for the community, with people of all ages, even families, attending the meals that are held at various locations throughout the town.
The town provides a schedule of where and when meals are served. The meals are provided for free, with volunteers preparing them.
Still, donations are accepted, appreciated and needed.
With that in mind, Councillor Steve Berry made a posting on Facebook encouraging people to step up to the plate to support the initiative.
“Calling all friends to help out here,” he posted. “Many of you know about the 100 Meals for 100 days here in Y-town. This provides nourishment not only for empty stomachs but for the soul. People from all walks of life interact and have a chance to come together as a community in a safe comfortable space.”
Berry said the program needed close to $5,000 to help it run for its 100 days this year. He asked if people would be willing to donate. He encouraged 100 people to give $50 each.
“When I told some this idea, they told me I was wasting my time and it couldn’t be done. I said, ‘Sit back and watch. I know the power that coming together for a good cause can do,’” he wrote in the post.
He was right.
Within four days the $5,000 had been raised by people, groups and businesses who came forward in droves to support the cause, with some donating hundreds of dollars.
“What a great example of what the people from our community always do when things are needed,” posted Berry, expressing thanks to everyone who responded to the call.
You could hear the emotion and excitement in Mayor Pam Mood’s voice when she spoke about what the community – and what Councillor Berry – had done, as she talked about 100 Meals at council’s Nov. 14 monthly meeting. She said the community “always shows up” when called upon and this was another perfect example.
Councillor Berry agreed that it speaks to the giving nature of the community.
“It was one post and it was shared by everybody,” he said.
Any surplus donations not needed this year will be applied to next year’s 100 Meals campaign. People can still make donations at the town hall.
(With files from Carla Allen)
READ ALSO: YARMOUTH GETS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR 100 MEALS PROGRAM
