Owen Sound (Ont.) Hunger and Relief Effort, known as OSHaRE, was on track to have distributed its one millionth meal this week—on or about Aug. 14—a milestone that is both troubling and comforting for the Georgian Bay community. Designed around the slogan “What we have, we will share,” the fully community-funded organization was founded by Owen Sound’s ministerial group, a collection of local pastors from many denominations. OSHaRE opened in 2013 and typically hosts one annual walk-a-thon fundraiser for its yearly goals.
Executive director Colleen Trask Seaman said all churches are still involved in different ways as well as community groups. With that support OSHaRE serves free, nutritious meals six days a week—twice on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and once on Saturdays and Wednesdays. It also hosts family assistance markets and supportive outreach services every other Wednesday, serving as a needed resource for community members with financial shortfalls.
In May, five deacons of First Christian Reformed Church in Owen Sound spent Saturdays helping to prepare meals and shared about the experience with the church family, encouraging more assistance.
Deacon Brenda Foster called OSHaRE a “model in compassion, mercy” and said the deacons chose it for their group community work partially because of its availability on Saturdays, as most deacons work throughout the week. “We have been so blessed with this opportunity to serve the Lord and our community,” Foster wrote in the church's summer newsletter.
Sid Couperus, pastor of First CRC, has been volunteering with OSHaRE once a week with his wife, Sue, since 2019 when he began his pastorate in Owen Sound. “They really have their ear to the ground, listening to tough changes taking place in our community,” Couperus said. It’s “another reminder of real-life realities that are only news stories to so many.”
Trask Seaman said OSHaRE values First CRC’s support. “They come to volunteer, help financially—(they’re) great community partners.”
In September the First CRC deacons plan to return with a new team of volunteers.
About the Author
Kimberly Simpson is a graduate (BA Religion, English) of Redeemer University College. She lives in Ontario.