Northumberland County, Ontario (April 8, 2010) — The Northumberland Fare Share Food Banks are pleased to announce the launch of their website: www.fareshare.ca.

“People questioned the need for a website for a food bank”, said George Leger, the executive director of the Food Banks. “The simple answer is that we have a story to tell, we need a continuous supply of food to serve 2,600 people twice per month and we are always in need of financial support."

The website features many tools to make it easy for people to give. One such tool is an alliance with Canada Helps, an online solution for not-for-profit giving – it's Canada’s largest online giving centre, serving more than 83,000 charities.

The Fare Share website also serves as a collection point for people to register if they wish to volunteer. “We are very excited about this ability," said Leger. "We operate each week and the same people keep coming out to help. We need new people. This is a rewarding experience for students to put in time for their mandatory community hours, and now people can register to help online.”

Another feature integrates Twitter and Facebook feeds right into the site. People who follow FareShareFB on Twitter will be updated on a weekly basis about the donatioin needs of the Food Banks, and if they make a point of contributing the foods indicated, it will help prevent shortages. “If we are short of rice one week, we can ask Twitter followers to donate rice at one our collection locations,” said Leger.

Food Bank demand has increased yet again, from approximately 1,800 people using the bank in January 2009, to 2,400 using the bank in January 2010 — and 2,600 served last month.

Fare Share has recognized the need to make more food available, to allow people to have access three times per month. In order for this to happen, the Food Banks require more people to help, more food to distribute, and more money to operate.

“We are hoping that the website will aid and guide the community to find a way that they can contribute to serve the many that go hungry,” said Leger. “Please check us out online and make the Fare Share Food Banks one of the charities you support."

Mobilized by a generous donation from Cameco Corporation, matched by funds from the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, Fare Share now has an significant and recognizable online presence.

Limelight Advertising & Design of Port Hope worked to reposition Fare Share, created a new brand image, and created the communications programs — including the website — to better serve those in need.

“This has been a tremendous project for our entire team. To think that we happened upon George Leger and his dedicated team by accident, which set us on an extremely rewarding journey that has only just begun,” said Peter Gabany, president of Limelight.

Support from local businesses and the community is invaluable to an organization like Fare Share, and is greatly appreciated by the volunteers who work hard to provide food for those in need.

Fare Share provides food and other necessities to supplement the daily requirements of individuals and families in need. For more information, or to find out how you can contribute to the Fare Share Food Bank locations in Port Hope or Cobourg, visit us online at  www.fareshare.ca or contact Fare Share manager Lori Vout at 905-372-0302.