Garden Foods tourney once again supports CCS, community

Debbie Malevris, CCS manager of fund-raising and development (left) poses with Sharon Hay, CCS volunteer committee member.

The Garden Foods Market in Bolton recently held its 5th annual golf tournament Aug. 8 at Glen Eagle and what a tournament it was! Piero and Rose Carbone have taken the concept of a partnership between business and social services to a whole new standard of excellence.

This year's Garden Foods/CCS Golf Tournament took a serious swing at poverty and raised $33,000! To date the CCS/Garden Foods tournament has raised more than $140,000!

"To assume that we will eat every day is a falsehood. To think that heat cannot be disconnected during the coldest winter night is a falsehood or that if your child has cancer and loses their hair, surely Welfare will help you afford a wig - but that too is a falsehood. What if you pay phone, rent, utilities, medicine and winter boots, and food is the last thing on your list but your resources are fully depleted? What if you are alone and have nowhere to go? What if your life slipped so far that no one ever called you by your name?

Debbie Malevris of CCS receives a cheque from Piero Carbone of Garden Foods Market in Bolton.

"Someone is hearing the call every day," said Debbie Malevris, CCS manager of fund-raising and development.

"There is nothing more profound than seeing eyes light up when there is someone who says, 'Yes we can turn your heat back on. Yes, we can get your child that wig right after her chemotherapy. Yes, we can help you get your life back on track because you are part of this community.'

"How perfect that Garden Foods is a provider of sustenance: fruits, meat, bread and other basic necessities for a balanced diet. Here today all of us know that this tournament will take sustenance a step further. This day will provide the basic necessities to so many in this community.

"The money raised today is a powerful force to changing lives every day and letting those in need know that there are many in our community that care deeply about the welfare of all community residents. Critical services I mentioned are not covered by any government funding.

"In 2006 CCS dedicated the Garden Foods counseling room to serve youth at risk, drug and alcohol addiction and women who have experienced violence.

"The Carbone family has entrusted Caledon Community Services to use the funds raised in this tournament to change lives one by one. Their contribution to the Caledon community is unparalleled. The daily lives of hundreds of families and individuals have changed forever because of Garden Foods. Chiedendo l'impossibile, Realizziamo il possible! A salute and mille grattsie! By asking for the impossible we achieve the possible," Malevris stressed.