An Oro-Medonte business is giving back to the community this holiday season.
Simcoe Shed Inc./North Bound Rustic is hosting a food bank raffle and collecting cards for seniors. The raffle includes nearly $500 in prizes, including a $50 North Bound Rustic gift certificate. Tickets cost $1 and all money raised from the raffle will be donated to the Sharing Place Food Centre in Orillia and the Barrie Food Bank.
Sales and office manager Kim Wallace says fundraising efforts have already exceeded the expectations of the Highway 11 North business.
“We are really excited about it,” she said. “We had hoped to raise $500 and I’m confident that we will reach that goal.”
She says it’s important to raise as much money as possible for those in need, especially during the holiday season.
“Times are tough,” she said. “We know people are trying their hardest with very little this year because of the cost of living.”
Wallace says the local business isn’t asking for large donations; it wants people to donate what they can to help the community.
“It’s easy to make a difference in our community with just a $1 or $2 donation,” she said.
“We aren’t asking people to donate items, either. This was all done by our staff, and prizes we put together ourselves.”
Simcoe Shed Inc./North Bound Rustic is also collecting cards for seniors. Initially, the goal was to collect 100 cards. That has been exceeded by more than 300.
“They will go to nursing homes and home care facilities in both Barrie and Orillia as well,” Wallace said. “We know there are seniors who have no one in their lives and they need some cheering up over the holidays.”
Numerous local homes and care facilities have jumped on board to receive cards for their residents.
“There is definitely a need out there,” Wallace said. “We are hoping to have 500 cards by next week.”
Those who would like to enter the raffle or fill out a card can call Wallace at 705-321-6019 or drop by the office at 1585 Hwy. 11 N. The draw for the raffle is Dec. 22. The deadline to submit cards with an unsealed envelope is Dec. 23.
