It’s almost Halloween, and that means Chatham homeowners need to be on the lookout for the smiling faces of high school students in amongst the trick or treaters.
The annual Scare Hunger initiative involving students from Ursuline College Chatham returns on Oct. 31.
The students will knock on doors asking for donations of non-perishable food items for Chatham’s Outreach for Hunger.
It’s something that has taken place for the past 16 years – with the exception of two pandemic-impacted years in 2020 and 2021.
Last year, Scare Hunger involved 65 parent drivers, 200 students and 15 UCC staff seeking donations across Chatham. Volunteers from Handy Bros. delivered the haul to Outreach two days later.
Brenda LeClair, executive director of Outreach for Hunger, said the effort is greatly appreciated.
“We really look forward to it every year,” she said. “They (the students) do a tremendous job. Students get out there and they really hustle, sometimes in the worst of weather. When they bring those canned goods into us, it is a substantial amount that really helps us get through to the Christmas season.”
UCC students are happy to help others.
“It really means a lot to me to just be able to do a small part to help out in the community and just bring in canned goods for people in need,” Norah Lucier told The Voice.
She’s been part of Scare Hunger since last year.
Student Drew Rumble said homeowners are great to deal with.
“I find even some of the people who didn’t know about it (Scare Hunger) are quick to get back to the kitchen to find something to give us,” he said.
The teens take to the streets Oct. 31 starting around 4:30 p.m. and will collect until as late as 8:30 p.m.
LeClair said if by some chance your home is missed and you still have a donation, reach out to Outreach for Hunger.
“If they (the students) don’t get to your neighbourhood, please contact Outreach. We can pick it up or you can drop it off at our office,” she said.
Outreach is at 10 Wellington St. W. in Chatham. They can be reached at 519-351-8381.
