‘Home Runs for the Hungry’ hits it out of the park for Barrie Food Bank

The Barrie Food Bank and the Barrie Baycats hosted the third annual 'Home Runs for the Hungry' fundraiser.

The Barrie Food Bank and Barrie Baycats teamed up for their third annual ‘Home Runs For The Hungry’ fundraiser on Saturday, raising tens of thousands of dollars for local families in need.

Karen Shuh, Barrie Food Bank executive director, says the event could not happen at a better time with the summer season fast approaching.

“We are seeing about a 10 per cent spike over the last month and I think the ice storm and some of the economic uncertainty has a lot to do with that,” said Shuh. “We are always in need of things like kid snacks, protein, large-sized diapers, pasta, sauces, and rice.”

Every year, the food bank is thankful for the community coming together to help put food on people’s shelves.

“Everybody has their story and their own connection to the food bank,” added Shuh. “That is what is special, maybe in their past, they didn’t need the food bank but now they wanted to give back.”

Marlene, one of the volunteers for the Barrie Food Bank, credits the organization for helping her when she needed it.

“If it wasn’t for events like this, the Barrie Food Bank wouldn’t be where it is today,” said Marlene. “I have used the food bank in the past and it’s been a great help because the price of groceries are crazy.”

The Baycats had eight players taking the field for a good cause.

“It’s a great way to get the community together, to get the Baycats on the field,” said Josh Matlow, president and general manager of the Baycats. “We are excited to be here, it’s been great for all the sponsors involved and all the fans to come out.”

Matlow adds that the community involvement is essential to the Baycats system.

“For our players you have to be a good ball player, but you have to be an even better person,” said Matlow. “When we recruit, we want to make sure they understand that we are a big part of the community, and they must be at these kinds of events.”