Duane Hicks
Coinciding with the old adage, “One good deed deserves another,” organizers of an upcoming benefit event for the Fort Frances “Community Chest” are looking for individuals and businesses to donate “acts of kindness” to be sold off for the fundraiser.
“Any gift of time and service will be appreciated,” said Tannis Drysdale, who is one of the organizers of the “Acts of Kindness” benefit, which will take place starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3 at the local Legion.
“We all have talents and abilities that we can use to help out,” she noted.
“This venue is our opportunity to use those skills to help our neighbours when they are in a difficult time.”
Drysdale explained the “acts of kindness” could be anything from snow shovelling, running errands, giving haircuts, and tax preparation to plumbing, car detailing, preparing dinner for six, or a snowmobile or fishing outing, adding there are endless possibilities of services that can be acts of kindness.
These “gifts” will be auctioned or otherwise sold off at the benefit, with proceeds going to the “Community Chest.”
For those who may not know, the purpose of the “Community Chest” is to provide financial aid to local families who may need help to cover medical costs.
“The ‘Community Chest’ has been in existence in some shape or form for quite some time,” noted member Linda Hamilton, recalling that in the past, there were dinners held for specific people.
And at one time, a family gave the money back because the person passed away.
“George Blanc suggested collecting and spreading the money around to the many people who need help,” Hamilton said.
“[So] we became a fundraising organization to provide money for people who need it for emergency medical care.
“We give up-front travel grants when people can’t afford to wait.
“We’re trying to improve people’s lives,” Hamilton added. “There is definitely a need with so much catastrophic stuff going on.
“Often, people have to leave their jobs.”
Referring to why she stays involved with the “Community Chest,” Hamilton noted, “Personally, I just like to help people.”
“I believe in this organization,” she remarked. “It’s local. It’s successful.”
Contributing members of “Community Chest” include the Fort Frances Lions Club, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, La Place Rendez-Vous, the Legion Ladies Auxiliary Br. #29, and the “Spirit of Christmas” committee.
The “Community Chest” serves the entire Rainy River District, including Rainy River, Nestor Falls, and Mine Centre and all points in between.
Since it disburses $30,000-$40,000 each year, the “Community Chest” requires a constant infusion of funds in order to help the endless people within our district who require help for medical emergencies.
If you can commit to an “Act of Kindness,” contact Anthony Mason by calling the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce at 274-5773 or via e-mail at thefort@fortfranceschamber.com
