A local charitable organization has received some financial help in its mission to help the less fortunate in Chatham-Kent.
FreeHelpCK, which was founded four years ago and recently recognized as a non-profit, delivers meals to seniors and others in need, and is involved with various community outreach programs.
The group has received a $2,500 donation from the property management company, Skyline. He was also the recipient of a $10,000 federal grant that was administered through the municipality.
Founder Geri Hughson said the organization feeds 397 people per week, noting the need has increased during the past two years of the pandemic.
She said relationship building is key to what they do.
“Mostly it’s low-income (people), families in need (or) people that are working but just can’t afford to buy groceries,” she said.
“Our numbers are growing a lot more. With the pandemic, we were more there for people who couldn’t get out (to) give them that hope. They just had nowhere to go or no family, or nothing like that. … They’re actually family to us.”
FreeHelpCK also distributes back-to-school backpacks, as well as prom dresses and accessories for area students.
Amy Finn, a board member as well as a municipal councilor, said the aim is provide help with whatever is needed, even if it is just a ride somewhere.
“I love it. This is my life for 33 years,” she said, also referring to her time helping the community when she was a police officer.
Mary McLellan, Skyline property manager in Chatham-Kent, said the company was pleased to help with a donation.
“We have seniors in our building on fixed incomes,” she said. “They use the service. We wanted to give back to something that was part of our communities that we have in Chatham-Kent.
“Our goal is to keep as many as we can in their homes.”
Hughson said the group, which has 22 volunteers, is “very wounded” with the support of the community it has seen over the years.
“We work straight off of donations,” she said. “If anyone wants to donate, they can.”
For more information, or to help, search for FreeHelpCK’s page on Facebook.