The Kiwanis Club of Pembroke’s 2025 Toy and Food Drive was an enormous success, according to club member Jay McLaren.
The club met on Wednesday, February 4th and commemorated the initiative alongside various guests.
McLaren, one of the co-chairs of the Toy and Food Drive, explained that the initiative has run for several years now and become a staple of the club’s efforts.
That $34,000 is after all the toys that were given to kids and families in the area were paid for.
McLaren said the Toy and Food Drive couldn’t be as successful as it was without the support of the community.
He and fellow initiative co-chair Mack Thrasher awarded several thank-you certificates to various volunteers and organizations they felt helped contribute to the success of the event, including the local Rotary Club, the Pembroke Observer, 104.9 myFM and a number of volunteers that assisted with the event.
According to McLaren, 252 kids in Pembroke were able to receive toys this year thanks to the Toy and Food Drive.
The $34,000 raised was divided between four local organizations that provide food to people in need in the community.
Rhonda’s Soup Kitchen received $3,400 and The Grind received $5,100. The Grind Executive Director Jerry Novak spoke after accepting his cheque to the importance of the Kiwanis Club’s efforts in Pembroke.
The St. Vincent De Paul Society’s Soup Kitchen received $8,500. Executive Director Muggsie Boland explained that the money will help ensure nobody in Pembroke goes hungry.
St. Joseph’s Community Food Bank received $17,000. President René Lachapelle said support for the food bank allows it to serve thousands of people over the course of each year and move over six tonnes of food each month.
McLaren concluded the meeting by urging the members of the Kiwanis Club in attendance to reflect on the difference they’ve made in the lives of Pembroke’s residents as a result of the Toy and Food Drive.
According to a press release from the club, more than 1,000 volunteer hours went into this year’s Toy and Food Drive.
(Written by Steve Berard)