Beacon for December 1st 2025

December 1, 2025 – Rotary Club of Port Hope Meeting Recap
The Rotary Club of Port Hope gathered at the KoC Hall shortly after 5:30 p.m., eager to learn more about the work of the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank.
Opening of the Meeting
At 6:00 p.m. sharp, Kevin Moore opened the meeting on behalf of Co-President Bob Wallace with a thoughtful question: “What is special about December 1st?”
He reminded us that on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, after refusing to give up her bus seat, an extraordinary act of courage that became a defining moment in the civil rights movement.
Welcomes & Introductions
Ken O’Neil welcomed our guests from Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank:
  • Dick Kauling, Chair
  • Meghan Flindall, Executive Director
  • John Kelly, Treasurer and member of Northumberland Sunrise Rotary
We were also pleased to welcome our Youth Exchange student Julia, who recently moved in with Drina and Steve and will spend the next three months with their family. Welcome, Julia!
Ken also introduced his wife Yvonne, who has a long history of dedicated volunteer service with the Food Bank.
We toasted Canada, Indigenous Peoples, and the Monarchy, followed by Kevin’s land acknowledgment and prayer.
Dinner
A warm thank-you to Lisa’s Catering (Bewdley) for a delicious dinner of schnitzel with mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, followed by mouthwatering dessert. It was enjoyed by all!
Guest Presentation – Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
After dinner, Laurene introduced guest speaker Meghan Flindall, Executive Director.
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank has served our communities for 39 years through two locations:
  • Cobourg – 700 D’Arcy St
    Fridays & Saturdays 9:30–12:30 p.m., Wednesdays 5:30–8:00 p.m.
  • Port Hope – United Church
    Wednesdays 9:30–12:30 p.m. and 5:00–7:30 p.m.
The organization operates with 3 staff and over 220 volunteers who shop, sort, stock, deliver, and portion food and essential goods.
What the Food Bank Provides
  • Bi-weekly food support (4–6 days of food) with no means testing
  • Home deliveries for residents unable to travel
  • Food rescue from local grocery stores, markets, and farms
  • Community food drives and event support
  • Grant writing and public awareness outreach
  • Mobile Market offering fresh produce and bread
  • Summer Student Snack Sacks program
Who Uses the Food Bank?
  • Nearly 1 in 4 users are employed
  • Over 1 in 3 are youth under 18
  • Nearly 1 in 10 are pensioners
  • Usage is predicted to rise another 24% in 2025
2024 Statistics
  • 3,696 unique individuals served
  • 31,592 visits (a 145% increase over last year!)
  • Visits up 255% since 2019–2020
  • Rapid growth in new users:
    • 2022: 271
    • 2023: 668
    • 2024: 923
How We Can Help
The Food Bank is also searching for a new Port Hope location—approx. 2,000 sq. ft., 200-amp power, transit access, parking, and loading bay.
Bruce thanked Meghan for an informative and inspiring presentation.
 
Club Updates
Holiday Ham Sale Fundraiser
Ron reported that all 240 hams are SOLD OUT! Well done!
Pickup will be on December 18th at Ron’s house—details to come by email.
2026 Youth Exchange Program
We are excited to welcome next year’s outbound student, Isabel from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School. She will join us at our annual Christmas Party on December 12th, and will learn her exchange destination in February 2026.
Youth Wellness Hub Opening
The official opening of the Port Hope Youth Wellness Hub will take place on December 12th at 9:00 a.m.
Members wishing to attend with the Rotary delegation are asked to notify Ron.
Candlelight Festival – Warming Room
Paul shared that our club was proud to run a warm-up station at the KoC Hall during Port Hope’s Candlelight Festival, providing hot chocolate and cookies to a steady stream of attendees.
Christmas Party Reminder
Kevin reminded everyone to RSVP for the December 10th Christmas Party by Friday, December 5th.