AAM Goodfellows raise over $15k in newspaper sales

Among the volunteers were the father and son duo of Mike and Dean McGowan. More photos are available on the River Town Times’ social media sites.

The AAM Goodfellows looked for financial support in their newspaper sales drive, and the community provided it.

AAM Goodfellows president Rick Murray said they raised in the area of $15,700 in this year’s two-day campaign.

“We did good, around the same as last year,” he said. “A little over $15,000.”

Murray said the volunteers raised approximately $8,700 Friday evening and another $7,000 or so Saturday morning. The Goodfellows raised roughly $16,000 last year.

“We still have people who want to drop off money or donate,” he said.

There were around 25 volunteers last Friday in two shifts, Murray added, as they were able to cover off 10-12 places where they ask for donations. A number of current Amherstburg firefighters helped Friday evening and some were able to assist Saturday, but Murray said they didn’t have as many volunteers Saturday.

“We’re always looking for Saturday help,” said Murray. “On Saturdays, we always seem to be short.”

There were some new volunteers each of the two days, he stated.

The focus now turns to packing the food baskets, which will start today (Dec. 17) at the Columbus Community Hall at 190 Richmond St. in Amherstburg. 

That starts at 4 p.m. and new people are welcome to assist, but Murray said they usually get a good-sized group of volunteers to help do all the work that is necessary that day.

The newspapers are produced with the support of the River Town Times and Huron Web Printing & Graphics.

Goodfellow volunteer Shawn Kryway. More photos are available on the River Town Times’ social media sites.

The food baskets will be distributed Thursday (Dec. 18) starting at 9 a.m., also at the Columbus Community Hall. That is where getting new volunteers would be especially helpful, noting that younger volunteers come in handy to assist with carrying the heavy boxes. He indicated that high school students are welcome to come and get some volunteer hours.

While they advertise that food basket distribution will last until 12 noon, Murray said the sooner the boxes are picked up, the better. The Goodfellows have to be out of the hall by 12 noon as other functions will be held there that day.

Goodfellow Volunteer Lynwood Martin. More photos are available on the River Town Times’ social media sites.

Sobeys is helping once again this year with the food, which is a long-standing partnership between the store and the AAM Goodfellows.

“So far, baskets are down,” said Murray.

Murray said as of Sunday afternoon, they had 73 requests for baskets. Last year, there were 89 baskets given out, with Murray taking that as a good sign that there may not be the same level of need in the community.

AAM Goodfellows raise over $15k in newspaper sales

By Ron Giofu