The Lighthouse Shelter in Orillia received a special delivery Tuesday.
GenNext, a United Way Simcoe Muskoka-led group of people in their 20s and 30s trying to make a difference in their communities, dropped off a few dozen boxes of mac and cheese at the shelter.
Chickapea Pasta partnered with United Way Simcoe Muskoka for an event in November, providing nearly 300 boxes of its gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan macaroni and cheese for giveaway. There was plenty left over after that event, and GenNext decided to donate the remaining stock among six agencies that feed those in need in the region.
Donations were also made to CONTACT Community Services in Alliston, Youth Haven in Barrie, YWCA Muskoka in Bracebridge, Home Horizon in Collingwood and Guesthouse Shelter in Midland.
Lighthouse executive director Linda Goodall thanked United Way Simcoe Muskoka and GenNext for the donation.
“We can always use pasta at the Lighthouse. It’s always good to have a variety of food, too,” she said of having options for those who have dietary restrictions.
GenNext is a new initiative of United Way Simcoe Muskoka. It encourages people in their 20s and 30s to organize activities that help spread the word about the non-profit organization’s work and to generate support for their community through various programs and activities.
“GenNext and United Way are happy to help those in need around the holiday season and all year,” said Nathan Taylor, a member of United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s board of directors and a member of GenNext. “It’s important that young adults take an active interest in supporting and bettering their communities, and this donation is just one of the ways we can do that.”
The Lighthouse is in the midst of its Christmas campaign, encouraging people to donate $50 per month for one year. To learn more about donating and other ways to help the Lighthouse, check out its website or call 705-329-2265.
For more information on GenNext, contact Laara Losier, United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s relationship manager, at [email protected] or 705-726-2301, ext. 2042.
Find out more about United Way Simcoe Muskoka here.
