CALEDONIA—A group of kind-hearted Caledonians have seen the struggle their neighbours have been facing as Canada endures a prolonged affordability crisis, so they are digging deep to provide a small respite to those who need it with the newly unveiled Caledonia Community Pantry, located at Caledonia Presbyterian Church.
“Today we’re launching something simple but powerful,” said Erica Spurr, spokesperson for the volunteer committee that has formed to manage the pantry. “A small pantry built with big hearts to help our neighbours in times of need.”
The project came together quickly after the Caledonia’s Special Projects Committee (SPC), a group of dedicated residents who meet each Saturday morning to plan and work on projects that benefit the community, posted online to see who might be willing to support a pantry should they build one.
“In true Caledonia fashion, people raised their hands, showed up, and got to work,” said Spurr.
Caledonia and District Food Bank volunteer and SPC Chair Larry Fay said, “It’s amazing how many people there are in the food bank system…. The price of food is going up. Their income hasn’t gone up.”
Spurr heaped praise on Fay and the SPC, saying, “The pantry is not just your idea; it’s your handiwork, your care, and your leadership in this community made real.”
Pastor Janice Doyle recently spoke with The Press about the church’s ongoing outreach effort, including placing ‘blessing bags’ full of essential items on the church steps and inviting the unhoused inside for a warm meal and some kinship.
“What started off as an idea has just blossomed and we’re all a testament to that,” said Doyle at the launch. “The hearts and hands that have come together to bring this to our community is very much needed.”
Doyle and Spurr both thanked the food bank for their help.
“We know that food insecurity is a growing issue, even here in Caledonia. Families are facing tough choices. Sometimes having access to just a few basic essentials can make a difference,” said Spurr. “This pantry is meant to fill some of those gaps with dignity, care, and community outpour.”
She praised the church location for being safe, well lit, and accessible: “People can come at any hour and know that they’re safe and welcome. We’re incredibly grateful to be able to place the pantry here where it can be easily accessed by anyone who needs it at any time.”
Also thanked was the team behind Flora’s Walk Haldimand for running a food drive that helped stock the pantry in time for its grand opening.
Lastly, Spurr thanked the volunteers, whether they be SPC helpers, church affiliates, or those taking on the challenge of keeping the pantry stocked, clean, and well-maintained.
“This pantry runs because of you. Your care, your commitment, and your willingness to keep showing up,” she said.
Caledonia Councillor Dan Lawrence and Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley were on hand to join in the celebration. Both heaped praise on the effort and what it represents.
“It’s a small community coming together and the fortunate helping the less fortunate. It’s what it’s all about and the volunteers that made all this happen, they’re the ones to be thanked,” said Lawrence. “That’s what makes Caledonia and other small communities in Haldimand special.”
Bentley recalled her own mother’s giving spirit as a Haldimand Norfolk Community Senior Support Services volunteer who “spent many years wondering about people that needed extra things. She would always take extra food and extra shampoo and extra goods to the churches. My mom was very passionate about this community, and she instilled that on me, so it is so nice to see this community come together to help the people that really need it.”
Now complete, the pantry turns to the hands of the community that drove its creation. On that front, things are off to a great start.
“We actually have volunteers signed up into July already,” said Spurr, noting that those interested in signing up for a shift can do so by visiting the group’s Facebook page, where they can scan a QR code that will link them to the schedule.
Those volunteers will find a list of items to check for posted inside the pantry itself. Their tasks will include cleaning and restocking the pantry, which cannot accept perishable items.
“This is 24/7 and will fill the gaps that the food bank can’t fill,” said Spurr. “I have no doubt people will continue to bring stuff out.”
