Mattawa & Area Holiday Toy and Food Drive – A Community Effort to Support Those in Need

Mattawa, Ontario – This holiday season, the Mattawa community is coming together to support families facing increasing food insecurity. As the cost of living rises, more local families are relying on the Mattawa & Area Food Bank to meet their basic needs. With over 70 new households seeking assistance in just the past year, the need for support has never been more urgent.

The Second Annual Mattawa, Papineau Cameron & Surrounding Area Holiday Toy and Food Drive will take place on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, to collect food, toys, and personal care items for local families. The event, hosted by Canada Brush Control, Mattawa Good Time Cruisers, Wilsons Builders Supplies, Mattawa Lions Club, and the Mattawa & Area Food Bank, will be held at Wilson’s Builders Supplies Home Hardware, 760 John Street, Mattawa, Ontario, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

A Growing Need in the Community

The Mattawa & Area Food Bank has been struggling to meet the rising demand caused by soaring inflation, high housing costs, and stagnant wages. Many families who once had enough to support themselves are now facing difficult choices between paying for food, heat, or housing. The situation has become especially dire for rural and northern communities like Mattawa, where transportation costs and geographical isolation further limit access to affordable food.

As inflation continues to impact everyday essentials, food banks across Ontario, including in Mattawa, are seeing a surge in demand. According to the Ontario Association of Food Banks, food bank usage in the province has increased by over 30% in the past year. With local families facing economic hardships, the Mattawa & Area Food Bank is relying more than ever on the generosity of the community.

How You Can Help

Donations of the following items are urgently needed:

• Personal care items: Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, razors, adult diapers, soap, body wash
• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, pasta, rice, baby food, and other staples
• Toys: New, unwrapped toys for children of all ages

Your donations will go directly to local families in need, ensuring that they have the resources to get through the holiday season with dignity.

Join Us on December 14th

This event is a chance for the community to come together and show support for our neighbours. Whether you’re able to donate food, toys, or personal care items, your generosity will have a direct impact on families in need. If you are unable to attend the event but would still like to contribute, early donations are welcome. Please contact:

• Canada Brush Control at 249-501-0888
• Mattawa Good Time Cruisers at 705-303-5699

A Call for Long-Term Change

While charitable efforts like the Holiday Toy and Food Drive are essential in the short term, the ongoing crisis of food insecurity calls for systemic change. Rising food costs, stagnant wages, and lack of affordable housing are structural issues that must be addressed at both the provincial and federal levels. As community members, we must advocate for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity to ensure long-term support for those in need.

A Community That Cares

The Second Annual Mattawa, Papineau Cameron & Surrounding Area Holiday Toy and Food Drive is a reminder of the resilience and compassion that defines our community. By coming together to support our neighbours, we can make this holiday season brighter for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact and show the true spirit of giving.

For more information, to volunteer, or to make a donation, please contact:

• Canada Brush Control at 249-501-0888
• Mattawa Good Time Cruisers at 705-303-5699

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you on December 14th.