In the beginning…
In 1985 CFFC (Canadian Food For Children) was founded by a practicing Toronto dermatologist, Dr. Andrew Simone and his wife Joan at the urging of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The Simone’s who had 13 children and fostered 26 children have dedicated their lives to helping the poor and in so doing have inspired others to do the same. Among the many recognitions they have received are the Christian Stewardship Award in 1998 and The order Of Canada from the Canadian Federal Government in 2001.
C.F.F.C. has a large warehouse in Mississauga from which one million pounds of food and supplies are sent out each month to poor countries around the world in 20ft and 40ft containers.
Chatham-Kent Location & Warehouse
The Chatham-Kent branch of C.F.F.C. was established in 2006 by John and Sandra Van Raay and Marvin Merritt with the full approval of Dr. Andrew and Joan Simone with co-founder Mother Teresa. A special thank you to local businessman, Frank Van Oirschot who donated the warehouse space on Inshes Avenue so Canadian Food For Children could get started in Chatham-Kent.
Unpaid, caring volunteers sort and pack the donated items which are loaded onto a 53ft transport. Approximately 10 to 12 transport truck loads go from the Chatham warehouse to the warehouse in Mississauga where supplies are transferred to shipping containers. Included on our transport loads are 10,000 to 15,000 lbs. of non-perishable food items including beans, powdered soy milk, peanut butter etc., which is purchased locally in bulk at discounted prices, through the financial donations of caring individuals.
Board of Directors
Canadian Food For Children (Chatham-Kent)
- Cindy Waddick
- Marvin Merritt
- Heather Slavik
- Mary Dunlop
- Frank Van Oirschot
- Francine De Meyer
- Marc St. Pierre
- Mary Lou Wood
- Rita Clayton