Participation from the local community at Hintonburg Pottery’s annual fundraiser for the Parkdale Food Centre (PFC) on Sunday, November 17th, 2019 swelled to three times’ the result of last year’s event, with proceeds amounting to approximately $1,500 from over 120 participants.
Attendees were invited to try their hand at creating a unique clay pinch pot in exchange for donations, with all proceeds going to the local not-for profit charity with a vision of building healthier, more connected communities through good food and friendship.
“We are so happy with the response from our neighbours and neighbourhood to this event, our hearts are warm! The money will be used to help offset our rising cost of food,” says Deborah Abbott, Chair of PFC.
The Parkdale Food Centre's numbers are climbing every month: in October they had 1000 people visit their Food Bank, of which 387 were children. Those suffering from social isolation come to PFC for a safe and welcoming place, a warm meal or a cup of tea or coffee, to provide them with much needed friendship and nourishing, healthy food.
“The event Hintonburg Pottery hosted for us demonstrates they and other businesses can help play a part in making a change for our neighbours. It is a perfect example of how businesses and PFC can work together,” says Len Fardella, Parkdale Food Centre Board Member and Chair of the Fundraising Committee.
Pottery for Parkdale pinch pots will be professionally glazed and kiln-fired by Hintonburg Pottery Technicians on site and will be available for pick-up before the Christmas holidays begin. All participants were entered into a draw to win a 4-week Handbuilding Class at Hintonburg Pottery–congratulations to the lucky winner, Kristen Armstrong!
“We have been pleasantly surprised by the growing support for this annual event and our community’s ability to pull together to create a magical experience, while raising funds for a very worthy organization,” says Ginger McCoy, Potter and Owner of Hintonburg Pottery.
Hintonburg Pottery opened in the spring of 2012 and is a little treasure nestled in the arts community of Hintonburg, featuring over 20 local and regional potters. Besides amazing pottery, their 'Earthen Vessels Clay Studio' offers classes, workshops, private workshops and seasonal camps for kids and adults. For more information, visit: https://www.hintonburgpottery.ca
The Parkdale Food Centre serves all of Ottawa with its programs and events. However, the food bank only serves the community bordered by Bayswater Avenue, Carling Avenue, Island Park Drive and the Ottawa River. They are located at 2-30 Rosemount Ave and the Food Centre is open 9-3 (Monday-Thursday) and 6pm-8pm (Tuesday only) each week. Their mission is to build healthier, more connected neighbours and neighbourhoods through good food, innovative community partnerships, and by challenging inequalities in order to create lasting impacts. For more information, visit: https://parkdalefoodcentre.ca