Local Organizations Receive $15,000
Local Organizations Receive $15,000 from McDougall Energy and Davis Fuels this Christmas (Burford/St. George)
Burford and St. George, ON – Together with the Esso Community Program, McDougall Energy Inc. and Davis Fuels (a Division of McDougall Energy) have donated $15,000 toward two local organizations supporting individuals and families over the holidays. Donations will go directly to the Burford Community Food Bank, as well as the Community Christmas Toy and Hamper Program in Brant County in memory of Evan Leversage, a seven-year-old boy from St. George who inspired generosity and Christmas cheer in the community.
With the help of many volunteers, community support and generous donations, these organizations provide comfort to children and people of all ages by easing potential burdens caused by additional financial stress during this time of year.
“Davis Fuels is proud of our roots in Burford and nearby communities for over 60 years, and together with McDougall Energy, we’re grateful for the opportunity to give back where we live,” said Stephen Kersey, operations manager, Davis Fuels (a division of McDougall Energy). “Our community is very supportive of each other, and we are thankful for everyone who works hard to help those who are in need. Both of these organizations go above and beyond at Christmas to help bring joy and unite families during the holidays, and we want to help them continue to do great work.”
“The Burford Community Food Bank located at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Burford is so grateful that McDougall Energy and Davis Fuels chose us to receive this donation. Burford has always been such a generous and giving community. This donation will go a long way to filling the hearts and bellies of the families in our community,” said Michelle Clark, coordinator, Burford Community Food Bank.
This donation will help the Burford Food Bank provide essentials to individuals and families in the community, including Christmas hampers, gifts for children in the Give a Gift program, and fill the food bank shelves for the coming months. During this health crisis, the community’s need for support has grown, and the food bank is working hard to support those in need. Currently, the food bank provides essentials to more than 20 families (approximately 40 people) per month.
“This has been a very challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to help brighten up the holidays for deserving individuals in the communities we serve and where our customers and employees live,” said Darren McDougall, president, McDougall Energy. “McDougall Energy is built on the support of our customers, and we are committed to giving back to our communities through our Community Investment Program.”
In Brant County, the Community Christmas Toy and Hamper Program works closely with community members and is fortunate to receive donations from several local groups and organizations. The Christmas hamper program has been helping families for 35 years. Last year, about 165 families were served by the program, helping those from Paris, St. George, and Burford areas. This year, instead of applicants receiving food hampers and toys as they have previously, they will get gift cards for food and toys. Generous donations from individuals and businesses allow organizers to buy the types of gift cards best suited to families’ needs.
“Thank you, McDougall Energy and Davis Fuels, for helping us bring smiles to so many deserving children in our community at Christmas time,” said Shirley Simons, chairperson, Community Christmas Hamper and Toy Program. “We are honoured to come together as a community and collect toys for the Community Christmas Toy and Hamper Program in Brant County in memory of Evan Leversage.”
Photo 1: Burford Food Bank’s Give a Gift donations
Photo 2: Tim Lee, operations manager with McDougall Energy’s St. George office presents a cheque to Margaret Knill-Wilson & Debbie Flewellin with Community Christmas Hamper Program
