Food bank article raises questions about medical centre board
Apr 02, 2008
To the Editor:
I was having coffee this morning, like a bunch of us do every Wednesday at the Moose. And like every Wednesday I read the Almaguin News. Well, an article on the front page of the paper drew my attention immediately. (“Food bank debate turns into sniping,” March 26 edition.)
I am very passionate about the food bank and worked with the bank for several years. In fact, I did a lot of fundraising, got a friend to donate monthly, worked with the people on Thursday afternoons, bought the food for the bank and even worked on the Christmas baskets.
We all have our opinions on the bank. Some sneer at it, some support it whole-heartedly, and then there are others who think that the people that attend the bank should not be seen.
Well, that is the impression I got from the article in the paper. The medical board does not want this ‘type’ of person to walk through the back door of the medical building because the doctors use it. But if these same people need to see the doctor it is okay to walk through the front door.
The people that use the food bank are down on their luck, for the most part, and it is not for us to judge them or the reasons why they need (the food bank).
We supply a service for the community therefore it should be an obvious conclusion that the medical centre be an ideal spot. It has an elevator for the physically impaired and it makes it easier for them to get in and out.
I know both these doctors. No, I don’t socialize with them, but I think I know that both of these doctors are far more compassionate than the medical board admits. I think maybe, since this was a personal slam against councillor Parker, that we need to speak up and say that maybe the medical board needs to be reviewed. Councillor Parker pointed out some very pertinent facts: this is a community building; the doctors are just tenants; and the council and committees appointed for both Machar and South River are supposed to be in position for the good of the community, not for whom they feel is worthy of the use.
A lot of hard work has been done over the years for the people at the food bank. Do not let the prejudice of others undo all that has been accomplished.
I introduced Ian and Elaine to the bank and they became good ambassadors for our bank and our community. Now when we need the support of Machar and South River so that they don’t have to rent an area for the bank, you are going to let personal sneering and attitudes determine what’s good for our community.
Your editorial is right on the money. We need to review what is good for our community. The Good Happenings Food Bank is not only a necessity, it is a public service run solely on the good (deeds) of others. The medical board is also a necessity and a public service which we as taxpayers pay for. The doctors are there because they have been hired and that is their job. The medical board needs to realize that the good of the community comes before “snobbery and ignorance.”
People have been using the food bank now for years. Some need (assistance) on a monthly basis but they are few. Others need it only to get through a hard time and may never need it again. No one during the time I was a regular volunteer came through the bank with anything but gratitude and thanks. Jean and her committee have done an outstanding job over the years and have put a lot of hard work into making this a community that is proud of all of its citizens and taxpayers.
They (I) have not judged them, they have only been there with a smile and a “How can I help you today.”
So maybe Mr. Haller, Mrs. Murdoch and yes even Mrs. Coughlin could do a little volunteering at the bank and see just exactly what good work is being done. Then they might think twice about their opinions or at the very least keep them to themselves and work for the community which they have been given the opportunity to do as members of the medical board.
Mr. Pinkerton and Mr. Coleman you need to address this issue further. This is a matter to be decided by councils. This isn’t or shouldn’t be a hard decision. The food bank needs more space, you have the available space it needs.
They cannot spend money on renting a facility, it would mean more hardship to the bank. You both know how important this bank is, now take charge.
Maureen Thornborrow
South River
Editorial
