Andrea Parsons, owner and administrator of the Saugeen Valley Nursing Center (SVNC) says she is “always humbled by the great community spirit Mount Forest has” – and that spirit is once again shining as residents young and old are doing what they can to help the residents of Haiti.
Former Mount Forest resident Mary Ann Schlegel was in Haiti as part of a mission group when the earthquake devastated the country. (You can find the story about Mrs. Schlegel’s experiences on page 2 this week.) Last week Mrs. Parsons called the Confederate to confirm that her mother was safe – and to issue a donation challenge. She said the Saugeen Valley Nursing Center would match each and every donation up to $2,000, received by Feb. 12.
By Friday $700 in donations (Mrs. Parsons stipulated cheques to the Mennonite Central Committee for Haitian relief) had already been received, with SVNC matching that figure and the government matching the total.
“So in total we have created $2,800 – not bad in three days,” Mrs. Parson wrote to the Confederate. By Monday $1,600 in donations had been received at the nursing center so “with  SVNC matching that’s $3,200, with government matching that’s $6,400”.
And, as a spin-off young Emilie Moyer – her mother is the director of resident care at SVNC – was inspired by the fundraiser and decided to involve her class at school since money they raise would be matched. Victoria Cross Public School has taken Emilie’s idea one-step further and Friday has been declared Hats for Haiti Day at the school. Anyone who donates a dollar will be allowed to wear his or her hat in class.
Also in this week’s paper, on page 24, you’ll find a story about a group of young people from First Baptist Church who are planning a talent night fundraiser to support Hearts for Haiti through World Vision.
And, among the classified ads you’ll find an announcement that admission to Sunday’s euchre party at Sacred Heart Church in Kenilworth is “by donation only, with all proceeds going to support the relief effort in Haiti.”
The students of St. Mary Catholic School in Mount Forest are doing their part to aid in the relief effort as well and, last week, a book sale raised in excess of $300.
And that’s only a few examples of how Mount Forest is helping. If you know of other projects underway in the community, please contact us here at The Confederate. Our email address is  HYPERLINK "mailto:editor@mountforest.com" editor@mountforest.com or call and leave a message for Editor Lynne Turner.