Over 2,600 kilograms (6,000 pounds) of food and essential goods, collected from CNL staffers and contract partners, were delivered to the Port Hope FareShare Food Bank this holiday season. This donation was the result of a friendly food collection competition between CNL staff and contract partners, who participated in the 2025 Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) food drive.
“With nearly one in four households in Ontario experiencing food insecurity, these contributions will have a real and lasting impact on the overall experience for many local families this holiday season,” shared Pat Harrison who coordinated the drive.
Coming together for a shared purpose resulted in the extraordinary, with this year’s food drive being the most successful PHAI effort in the past five years.
“The generosity shown through this collection competition will help ensure access to food and essential items when they are needed most,” added Harrison.
The first-place contributors collected an impressive 893.08 kilograms (1,968.9 pounds) of food—equivalent to roughly two full pickup truck loads. In addition to food donations, an extra truckload of toys and $1,000 in teen-appropriate gift cards was contributed.
While the friendly competition added excitement and motivation, the most important takeaway is the spirit of teamwork and community pride that defined this initiative. By working together, participants made a tangible difference in Port Hope.
“The true winners of this food drive are the residents of Port Hope who will benefit from this support, and that is something everyone involved can be proud of this season,” declared Harrison.
The collective hard work, generosity, and community spirit behind this initiative continues to be meaningful across the community where we live and work.
