By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
That St. George’s Men’s Friday Breakfast Team is at it again – having raised about $3,000 for Transition House with a fundraising breakfast last month, they hope to repeat that success July 24 with a fundraising breakfast for the Haldimand Community Memorial Arena rebuild.
The buffet will be set up at the Grafton church from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome, and admission is by donation, with all proceeds supporting the rebuild at the nearby arena.
Photos of the work recently taken by Councillor Mike Ainsworth would surprise the many who have skated or played hockey there over the years. The floor is being replaced to allow a whole new ice surface, with the work scheduled to be completed in time for another hockey season this fall. The $2.3-million project also includes energy-efficiency upgrades, as well as new rink boards and glass.
The men’s group behind the fundraiser have literally years of experience in serving up a delicious breakfast, as they gather in the church kitchen each Friday morning (except those Fridays in advance of a holiday weekend) to cook breakfast for any members of the community who would like to drop in.
Rev. Helena-Rose Houldcroft doesn’t miss many of them. Along with the great Western sandwiches to nourish the body, she said the fellowship in which they’re offered up nourishes the spirit.
“I think this is one of the most unique and wonderful men’s groups I have ever had the great pleasure of being associated with,” Rev. Houldcroft stated.
Not all the men are St. George’s members, she added, but all work untiringly toward the goal of giving back to the community,
A few years back, they began the tradition of Shrove Tuesday pancake brunches – admission by donation – in support for Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, each of which brings in several thousand dollars.
They have also supported other groups, such as Transition House, with last month’s admission-by-donation breakfast.
“Any fundraising that happens here goes back to the community – all of it,” Rev. Houldcroft said.
They also work quietly to support individuals, such as people who have medical needs they can’t afford. And in an it’s-all-about-me world, she said, for these men “it’s always about the community and how we can share with one another.”
Everyone is welcome July 24 to put that spirit into action – and enjoy a yummy breakfast while you’re at it.
