The Chatham Goodfellows honoured some of their own Nov. 3, and looked ahead to another season of ensuring no child goes without a Christmas.
The charity organization that delivers toys and food to about 1,400 families in and around Chatham each year held its annual banquet, handing out appreciation awards and singling out several longtime supporters, both individual and organizational.
For the first time, the Goodfellows handed out a lifetime achievement award. It didn’t go to a particular individual, but rather the employees of Union Gas.
Tim Mifflin, a longtime Goodfellow, said since the organization’s inception in 1954, there have been two constants: families in need and volunteers.
“The need has always been strong, and we rely on volunteers. They are absolutely vital,” he said.
And Union Gas consistently delivers on the latter. Mifflin said staff have donated thousands of hours of “sweat equity,” and more than $500,000 in food, toys and cash over the years.
Keeping with the Union Gas theme, the Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow award went to three employees of that company. Angela Scott, Bridget and Brian Cox earned the honour.
Scott Williston, outgoing president of the Goodfellows, said the trio really stepped up its impact with the organization in 2009 to lead the Union Gas in-house effort. Through jersey days, raffles, luncheons, breakfasts and the Spooktacular fundraising event, they have delivered, Williston said.
Scott said she was surprised to learn of the honour.
“We are shocked. This is a great organization. It’s easy to be part of,” she said. “We’re just trying to do our part.”
Brian Cox credited Union Gas with supporting its employees in charitable endeavours.
“It’s great to work for a company like Union Gas,” he said. “We’ll continue to do our work. It’s an organization (Goodfellows) we love very much.”
Barb and Dean Mills, owners of No Frills in Chatham, earned the President’s Award.
Williston said the Mills have been valued suppliers to the organization for more than two decades.
“They are also always more than pleased to step forward and fill orders that are short or missing, often on the day of food packing,” he said.
As well, the Goodfellows use between 500 and 700 banana boxes each year, which are collected by No Frills over the course of the year. Having to purchase such sturdy boxes would cost upwards of $4,000 annually, Williston said.
The Goodfellows did more than hand out awards Nov. 3, as they also reviewed their financials. Cal McCabe, who handles the books for the Goodfellows, said 85 percent of the revenue raised by the group each year is used to purchase the food and toys for the families in need.
The group saw a decrease in revenue last year by $19,000, but also saw a reduction in operating expenses of $15,000. It still has a $30,000 surplus.
The organization brought toys and food to about 1,400 families last year, with the help of some 1,500 volunteers.
Wallaceburg Coun. Jeff Wesley, representing the municipality at the dinner, credited the Goodfellows organization with a great effort over the years.
“All of you should be very, very proud of the work you do,” he said.
The next big event for the Goodfellows is their annual Porchlight campaign, which takes place between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Dec. 5, as volunteers will go door-to-door seeking donations.
The other key fundraising dates are Dec. 16 and 17, when volunteers take to the cool air in front of many businesses in Chatham for the annual Street Sales campaign, offering the annual Goodfellows newspaper to citizens for a freewill donation.
Toy packing takes place Dec. 12 to 15, while deliveries will take place Dec. 20.
