By Joanne Dorr
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Haldimand County Public Libraries are spending the month of October accepting food bank donations as payment for late fines through a program called Food for Fines.
With the program closing at the end of October, anyone with a fine is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity while they still can. Paul Diette, CEO of Haldimand County Library, says there is an increased demand on food banks just after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Diette clarifies, “People tend to be giving leading up to the holidays but not immediately after.”
Now in the post-Thanksgiving period, the Food for Fines program is strategically timed. Diette explains each library location will also be accepting non-fine related food bank donations at libraries up to the end of October.
Diette explains, “One food donation is worth the equivalent of $2 and food banks are interested in things like toothpaste and toiletries.” Items that will not be accepted include prepared food items like home canning and preserves.
Ashley LaLonde, Library Assistant at the Dunnville location, has observed a positive reaction to the program. She says, “Patrons are very excited that we’re doing this. Whenever we tell them about it their face lights up a little bit and they usually come in with a bag of canned goods. It’s a good alternative for them and it also helps a good cause, so it’s just great all around.”
LaLonde’s comments sprung to life moments later when library patron Raven Aubertin arrived at the front desk with a paper bag full of donations in one arm, a pile of library books in the other, and her two children by her side.
Aubertin explains her enthusiasm for the program, saying, “My fines are a little up there and I heard about the program and thought it was a great idea, so here I am with my non-perishables!”
Donations collected at each library will be delivered to the food banks nearest to each location. Diette quotes the mission statement of the Library Board of Haldimand County by saying, “If we want to serve the community, we need to be in the community.”
The Food for Fines is a great example of how the Haldimand County Library system is putting these words into action.
