Newmarket is, quite literally, showing its heart and community pride this season.
Black knit tuques emblazoned with a NWMRKT Proud patch are popping up on heads across town in a show of hometown pride, as well as support for the Newmarket Food Pantry.
An anonymous donor — a local business owner who both supports the food pantry and wanted a visible way of sharing the pride for Newmarket that she knows many residents share with her — is behind the campaign, according to Newmarket Food Pantry board member Juliane Goyette.
It’s a perfect partnership in their minds, at a time when the number of people using the food pantry has never been higher at more than 1,600 clients every month.
“I think the people who want the hats are the people of Newmarket who love and know that our community comes together for things,” Goyette said.
“Especially working here, we see the community coming together. Maybe it’s like that in other communities, but I feel like Newmarket is special in that way,” she added.
They have access to an unlimited number of hats, which are $20 each, with all proceeds going to the food pantry.
With the launch of the community fridge, the food pantry is serving 60 per cent more people per month than it was last year at this time, said Vesna Mitchell, resource development co-ordinator at the pantry.
“It’s just getting progressively harder each month. The numbers are going up and it’s just not sustainable where we are right now, we need community support ... and the best way to do that is bringing community together,” she said.
“I’m just amazed at the response. As soon as people know the numbers, as soon as they understand the need, Newmarket steps up, and comes together,” Mitchell added.
She readily agrees with Goyette that Newmarket is a special community, saying she came here in 2005 from Scarborough.
“It’s a completely different feel. There is a strong sense of community here, of doing whatever it takes to lift each other up, knowing that the greater good is reflected in what we do for each other.
“We just step up. We’re a stronger community, we support business, we support local charities, we feed our neighbours, we do whatever it takes. And that’s how we’re going to get through it, times are just going to get harder right now, there’s no other way through it," she said.
While some community food banks have seen support dip following the pandemic surge of support, Mitchell said that’s not the case in Newmarket.
In particular, the opening of the community fridge has galvanized community support.
“The buy-in from the community has been massive. I hear the same thing over and over again. They go there, they donate the food, they see the people who are utilizing the food, they talk to them, hear their story, hear their gratitude,” Mitchell said.
“Then I get an email or DM saying, ‘What can I do? I did not know it was so bad, I’ve been crying for two hours.’ It’s very impactful, you have a face to the stats,” she added.
The “ripple effects” of filling the fridge are new community partnerships with the pantry, Mitchell said.
“People are hungry for connection, they are hungry for purpose and meaning, it’s created more support — it’s a reflection of the town.”
The food pantry currently has about 200 volunteers, working in every aspect of providing food to those in need, from pick-up and delivery drivers and food sorters to administrative assistants and sandwich makers for the community fridge, said volunteer co-ordinator Liz Blight.
The food pantry is wrapping up its holiday drive today, with more than 400 turkey dinners being provided, but donations are always welcome.
You can check the website for current items in need, or make a financial donation, which allows the pantry to purchase needed items, like fresh produce, at discounted prices.
While the shelves are full during the holiday season, Mitchell said the need never wanes and donations are needed throughout the year.
Goyette, Mitchell and Blight share the same Christmas wish: “That everyone has a meal on the table and they don’t have to make a choice, am I going to pay my hydro bill, or for a roof over my head, or am I going to feed my kids?”
To buy your Newmarket Proud tuque, call 905-895-6823, [email protected], or send a direct message on social media.
Share a photograph online when you buy your hat, tag the food pantry @NmktFood, with the hashtag #NewmarketProud.
