The Timmins-Porcupine Rotary club was approached by the Full Beard Brewing Company, a local microbrewery in Timmins, early in the spring with a fundraising idea to help with the return of their empties during the bottle return issues associated with COVID-19.
The club agreed to partner with the brewing company and Northern Allied Supply and Nasco Propane to hold a 3-day bottle drive during the May long weekend.
The club had selected 6 local groups – including the Ant-Hunger Coalition, Timmins and South Porcupine Food Bank, Living Space, and Lord’s Kitchen – to support with funds.
A total of $12,000 was raised.
In order to fund this initiative, when their current budget was already used up, they needed to find another way to support the groups. Not only did we find a way to fund the initiative, but it also allowed member to participate in a socially responsible fashion. Member helped collect and sort the bottles as well as help distribute prepared or bagged meals at the quantity of 200 bags per week with the Lord’s Kitchen.
In addition, the 5 other groups distributed over 800 meals and good food box throughout the week.
The club also pooled resources to find suppliers such as direct access to Toronto food suppliers, local food caterers and transportation companies to facility and tie everything together.
On each of the individual events (4 in all), the club:
- coordinated supplies and training with the local Beer Store
- arranged for a donated transport truck with a driver
- required a forklift for material handling
- trained volunteers on safe practices and sorting techniques
- supplied PPE such as safety glasses and cut resistant gloves
- engaged the support of media, police, fire dept... etc
As for volunteers, the 6 local groups were required to provide 2 to 4 volunteers for each event in order to benefit for the donations.
Then, as a new model for the club, they opted to approach other service groups... 3 partnerships were established...
Club Richelieu
Lion Club
Kiwanis
Each date had one of the groups above responsible to help with the advertising and volunteers.
Finally, Manitoulin Pizza supplied meals to the volunteers while on site.
Interested in learning more about organizing a similar type of fundraiser? Contact Luc Chalifoux, Club President.