It’s hot, we’re still in a pandemic and for the most part, deprived of many community events.
This is why Chalmers Community Services Centre is hosting a Freezie-fest on Aug. 21 outside of its centre on Macdonell Street in Downtown Guelph to bring everyone together.
Anyone who comes between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will receive a free jumbo Freezie.
“It's a community thing said Chalmer’s executive director Vicki Olatundun. She said before one wants to be understood, they need to understand others.
“I need to meet my community, I want to see them, I want to see the community come out,” said Olatundun.
She said the event will help spread awareness about the organization to say ‘Hey, we're here. If you need our services we are right here.”
Olatundun began her new role as executive director of the organization early this year. She said she was unable to meet many people in the community in person and hopes this event can bring individuals and families together to socialize with each other.
She also added that as the pandemic progressed, the community has changed as many people who used to donate to Chalmer’s are now accessing it’s services.
“My philosophy is that I want to get to my community first. They’ve given and given and given, and given and given before I even came along. This is our way of just saying first of all, thank you. Thank you for keeping us alive during COVID.” said Olatundun.
She said the majority of people who access Chalmer’ come for fresh vegetables and produce.
“Nothing has changed in terms of what people want but what has changed is they want community, we can tell, and that's the one thing that we can't get them,” she said adding that the organization still faces restrictions in its coffee mornings and gatherings.
“They want to talk, they want to chat, they want to share. They can't do that just yet,” said Olatundun.
She said for someone who has nothing, a free Freezie for a child is a way to bring a smile on their face.
“We recognize that because we don't get to see our little children much because they don't come with their parents often, but this is our way of just saying ‘Hey it's a hot day and Freezie’s on us,” said Olatundun.
