Saturday’s Christmas Pictures at the Barn is next fundraiser as
organization strives to add volunteers and expand support programs
A local volunteer group launched during the early days of the COVID-19
pandemic to support Hartand-area residents struggling with food
insecurities continues to grow to meet the community’s growing needs.
Hartland Helpers, which began with 14 clients, now operates a pantry and
food collection program serving more than 50.
“It’s been a fantastic organization,” said Stephanie Foster, who leads
Hartland Helpers’ fundraising efforts along with her husband, Darren.
Other members of Hartland Helpers’ executive, led by Kathy Orser,
include treasurer Janice Taylor, secretary Lillian Warren, and Sarah
Everett.
On Saturday, Dec. 10, Hartland Helpers will host a special fundraiser at
Everett’s Farm on Estey Road in Waterville.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Christmas Pictures at the Barn will set the
stage for idyllic seasonal photos with the backdrop of an old-fashioned
sleigh, and classical winter foliage in front of a 150-year-old barn.
As stated in the Hartland Helpers Facebook post, the setting is ideal
for photos with family, friends, co-workers or pets.”
The photos will cost $20 per session for two or more digital copies by
local photographer Tammey McLean. Funds raised will support Hartland
Helpers’ programs. Photo sessions are available by appointment or
walk-in.
Contact Hartland Helpers by Messenger or email at
hartlandhelpers@gmail.com
Everett’s Farm will also host its own Christmas event on Sunday, Dec.
11, in support of the Valley Food Bank, when they host Santa At The Farm
from 1 to 3 p.m. They ask those attending to bring a non-perishable food
item to put in Santa’s bag for delivery to the food bank.
Hartland Helpers’ success since its launch over two years has depended
on fundraisers such as Christmas Pictures at the Barn. Still, its
efforts to support the community rely heavily on support from the
community.
Foster explained the organization’s support comes in many forms from
many sources.
She said the Hartland Community School students and staff help with
fundraising efforts, like its hockey team, including a 50-50 draw at
games.
Foster said the Hartland-area business community provides monetary and
other contributions, while individuals offer support through donations
of goods, money or time.
For example, she said, Hartland Helpers quickly filled all spots for its
Adopt-a-Family program for this Christmas. She explained the program has
a donor who provides gifts and other items for a struggling family.
With the pantry and food collection solidified, the group seeks
additional volunteers to help maintain it while Hartland Helper
increases funds and focuses on other causes.
Foster explained other efforts include providing transportation for
struggling seniors, families and individuals to medical appointments or
shopping trips. They also want to help others with medical needs.
She said the goal is to provide support anywhere it is needed.
Foster said Hartland Helpers finds clients’ names from various sources.
She said some people reach out to them directly, while friends,
neighbours and others identify someone who needs assistance.
She said the school would reach out to families for permission to add
their names to Hartland Helpers’ client list.
While Hartland Helpers limits its support to the 375 area-code regions,
Foster said they pass on the contact information for similar
organizations in those areas to those reaching out from beyond the
coverage area.
Foster said Hartland Helpers deliver food boxes to clients on the second
Thursday of each month.
While the boxes include nutritional staples, Foster said they like to
have some unique items. She said that McCain Foods deliver bi-monthly a
half-ton load of items such as pizza pockets or McCain cakes.
Foster said she and Darren are among the volunteers making deliveries.
“We love it,” she said.
Foster said they would welcome more volunteers for delivery, as well as
packing and sorting the food.
She said that more volunteers reduce the workload of all volunteers,
noting she believes many people are willing to chip into the community
effort.
“So many people want to volunteer, but they just don’t know how to go
about it,” Foster said.
She urges potential volunteers to reach out by Messenger or email for
more information.
Hartland Helpers always require non-perishable food options for its
pantry, which donors can drop off at four locations in Hartland — Valu
Foods, Freshmart, the Dr. Walter Chestnut Library or the Hartland Post
Office.
People can mail monetary donations to 2 Monty St, Hartland, N.B. E7P
1J6, with a cheque payable to Hartland Helpers. Or e-transfer to
hartlandhelpers@gmail.com. Receipts over $10 can be issued if the donor
provides a mailing address.
