Bullet News GODERICH – Food banks across Huron County topped up their stores this holiday season thanks to a donation from unionized paramedics in the county’s emergency medical services.
CUPE 4513 union dues raised $3,500 that were divided amongst food banks in seven communities to supply families having trouble making ends meet with much needed supplies like pasta, cereals, canned meats and vegetables, and personal care products.
Tharon Riley, who is a county paramedic and union secretary / treasurer, said they increased their contribution from $300 to $500 per community this year because “there is such a need out there.”
“No one should go hungry,” said Riley, who is a board member for North Huron Food Share, a food bank located in Wingham. She said although the public remembers food banks at Christmas and other celebrations, the need is there all year round.
“It needs to be in our minds throughout the whole year, too,” she said.
There are about 50 full-time paramedics and more than 20 part-time paramedics in Huron County providing pre-hospital care in more than 11,000 calls annually.
