MATHESON - A former Black River-Matheson councillor and local resident is hosting the second-annual Santa for seniors fundraiser.
Kim Druer said her goal this year is to support 100 seniors for Christmas. Through the program, seniors receive a package with a meal and other items donated by the community.
“Last year I took care of 82 seniors and this year, I'm hoping for a minimum of 100,” she said.
The donations that flooded in for last year’s event were amazing, Druer said.
“I say for one meal, but it ends up working out for about three days worth of food. They got more than enough food. I have a farm down the road that donated 105 pounds of hamburger, I had Food Basics in Porcupine that very nicely took care of those little dinner hams, the dollar store in the Porcupine Mall was amazing, right down to the Mennonites who donated 86 dozens of eggs and the Mennonite ladies who baked 83 loaves of fresh bread. Like, I couldn't get over that and they're right in it again this year,” she said.
“And I mean, the businesses in this township stepped up by allowing me to put jars and bins for non-perishable foods in their stores was incredible."
So far, Druer said a local hair salon has offered to provide one free haircut for each senior that’s being given a bag and McEwen Mining is also donating to the cause.
Druer said she and her family all plan to be involved again.
“My husband and myself, we bought throw blankets for everyone of them. So, this year, I just got to try and come up with something different for them. And I have a whole lot more people I want to be involved this year with me, which is phenomenal,” she said.
Druer said there’s no help for seniors from government.
“There's nothing for seniors. The seniors are pushed aside, and I don't agree with that. These are people that worked their whole lives and they get no help in the end,” she said.
Druer said she plans to put some donation boxes and non-perishable boxes out around town this week and said she is in need of any volunteers willing to help.
“If they can't donate, if they can just volunteer to help deliver on the day of delivery or come and help make up the bags, that would be great because it’s a lot of work,” she said.
The township and all of the people who are a part of it mean a lot to Druer.
“Including the seniors,” she said. “I want the township to start coming back together again. Let's all be there for each other the way we all used to be. We're going to happy township again.”
Druer said she’s open to any nominations for seniors in need of a bag.
“People can call me, text me, email me, I don't care, I'm taking care of as many seniors as I can,” she said. “I'm bound and determined, it's going to be big.”
Druer can be reached atb705-288-2597.