RELEASE: Leon’s Furniture Limited Donates $10K & Issues Summertime Challenge
Leon’s Furniture Limited challenges national and area businesses to support local charities with a $10,000 donation to Port Cares
May 25, 2023 – PORT COLBORNE, ON – Every dollar counts these days, whether your business is booming or you are trying to make every cent go further in this era of high inflation and soaring costs. And for charities like Port Cares, which operate food banks, never before has there been such a significant need to help families and people struggling to make ends meet.
“The Leon’s Furniture and Leon’s family donation of $10,000 has come at a critical time for us, and we cannot thank them enough for continuing to support Port Cares and their family’s home community,” explains Christine Clark Lafleur, Chief Executive Officer, Port Cares. “Every day at our food bank, we are serving people who have never before had to use a food bank. We’ve jumped from serving 1,790 people at our food bank a year ago to serving 2,722 today. This surge in need comes at a time when the majority of our donors and supporters have less capacity to give due to the economic circumstances.”
“On any day, we will serve upwards of 100 people coming to our Reach Out Centre for foodbank assistance. Additionally, we are distributing 100 to 120 hot, nutritious meals three times a week in addition to food supplies for school children’s lunches which on average provide for 1,000 lunches a month. The need is staggering, and we sincerely appreciate the support from generous donors like the Leon’s family and Leon’s Furniture Limited,” adds Clark Lafleur.
In a letter from Mark J., Leon, Chairman of Leon’s Furniture Limited, he writes, “The City of Port Colborne and Port Cares in particular, hold a special place in the hearts of the Leon family. Many of us grew up in this area and have made Port Colborne our home. We also know that many people through no fault of their own have fallen on hard times for themselves and their families. When that happens, we are grateful for organizations like Port Cares.”
Mr. Leon has asked the local charity to issue the Port Cares Summertime Challenge to all companies operating in Port Colborne and the surrounding area. “It would be great if any local or national business which has the financial capability could demonstrate their commitment to the community they serve by stepping up and helping our brothers and sisters in need. Every bit will help.”
As part of this challenge, Port Cares will tally and publish a list of its Summertime Challenge donors to recognize the goodwill and kindness that is shared. “Our supplies often are diminished during the summer months, and Mr. Leon’s challenge to those who can give will help us help so many in the coming months.”
Since 1986, Port Cares has offered many services for people, young and old, not only in Port Colborne but also across Niagara, including Lincoln, West Lincoln, Welland, Pelham and Fort Erie. They offer housing, employment training, a food bank, Niagara Youth Justice services, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, a meal program, utility assistance, counselling and crisis services, seasonal programs like Coats for Kids, Give a Gift, and more. Their services are wide-ranging – the need is undeniable.
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Photos are available upon request.
Interview contact:
Christine Clark Lafleur
Executive Director, Port Cares
905-834-3629ext. 248
92 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne, ON L3K 3E1
