Feeding Families, Strengthening Community by Sir Knight Steve Brent

As a member of the  Blessed Sacrament Knights of Columbus Council #1412  in Chatham, Ontario, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the power of kindness in action – and being part of it!

Most recently, SK John Koppes (Founder) and SK Steve Brent, Co-Program Directors – Food Banks & Grocery Stores, organized a special  SUMMER EDITION  of our Council’s Signature Fundraising initiative, our  MEGASIZED FOOD DRIVE & FUNDRAISING Outreach .

We organized this drive to honor the work that we have done with Major Larry Bridger, Pastor, The Salvation Army Church and Director of Chatham-Kent Ministries and the work that we have done together in the last four food drives. His leadership and personal efforts, have been something that has been inspiring in itself.

For three days, July 17, 18 and 19, 2025, our Knight Volunteers, as well as Parishioners Blessed Sacrament Parish Chatham and The Salvation Army Church, Students from Ursuline College Chatham, Community Living Chatham-Kent Volunteers, and Volunteers from our amazing Community Partner, The Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Alliance, all working together collecting food and donations benefiting our Charity of Choice,  The Salvation Army’s Chatham-Kent Ministries Food Bank at 46 Orangewood Blvd., Chatham .

The experience was absolutely incredible. From the moment we set up our donation stations that included the family Salvation Army Red Kettle, to the last banana box fully loaded with high priority grocery and personal hygiene items , I could feel the spirit of generosity all around me.

Shoppers of The Real Canadian Superstore, Chatham (RCSS) and Food Basics, Chatham, were greeted by our Volunteers as they entered our Grocery Partners, where we provided them with a “shopping list of the essential grocery & personal hygiene items” needed by the Food Bank.

The generosity of our Chatham-Kent residents was absolutely amazing as they provided us with an absolute bounty of groceries & much needed items, spare change, cash and gift card donation and especially, open hearts for this very worthwhile, and important Knights of Columbus, Summer Faith-In-Action Initiative.

Each donation reminded me that our community truly cares for its neighbors and those in the greatest need .

Over the past few years, since April 2022, our Council #1412 has hosted  seven major food drives , and the results have been truly inspiring:

???? 1,545  banana boxes collected
???? 116,000+ lbs. of food donated
???? $30,000+ raised for local families

Thanks to the support of generous shoppers, volunteers, and our community!

Every time that I volunteer, I see firsthand how every dollar, and every hour, makes a huge difference in our Communities of Chatham-Kent. It’s not just about feeding families—it’s about  bringing hope and dignity to those who need it most .

Being part of the Knights of Columbus has shown me that  Faith-In-Action can change lives . Every time I stand beside my fellow Knights and our many community partners, collecting food and meeting the people we serve, I am reminded of why I volunteer:  because kindness is contagious, and our community is stronger when we come together.

I am proud to share this story as a reflection of my journey and the incredible efforts of everyone involved. My hope is that my story inspires others to step up, give back, and experience the joy of service.

Photograph (L to R) Major Larry Bridger, Pastor, The Salvation Army Church and Director of Family Services Kent, Al Earle, Parishioner from The Salvation Army Church, Derrick Thibeault, Store Manager, The Real Canadian Superstore, Chatham, SK Frank Lazzarin, Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus Blessed Sacrament Council #1412, Jackie Choudhry, The Catholic Women’s League, Blessed Sacrament Parish and SK Steve Brent, 3rd Year Trustee, Knights of Columbus Blessed Sacrament Council #1412 and Council #1412‘s Co-Program Director – Food Banks and Grocery Stores