A Conversation with Captain Kaitlyn Young, Fenelon Falls Pastor
KAWARTHA LAKES-Fenelon Falls is a community with about 2,500 permanent residents, and approximately 200 households that regularly access The Salvation Army Food Bank—approximately 800 people total, including about 120 children aged 0-18. For a congregation of 60 regular attendees to be able to support so many people, it no small accomplishment: “We have never run out of food because our community is incredibly supportive of the work we do.” Week after week, the staff and volunteers of The Salvation Army find a way to make sure that no one in their community needs to go hungry.
“Behind the scenes are 30 dedicated year-round volunteers who are the heart of our operations. They sort food, serve meals, greet guests with dignity, and tirelessly keep the Food Bank running. We also have our dedicated staff who lead the team. Their commitment is a reminder that in difficult seasons, compassion makes all the difference.”
Since it came to Fenelon Falls in 1885, the Salvation Army has always been active in helping friends and neighbors. The international organization was founded in England as the East London Christian Mission in 1865 and it has stayed true to its original purposes: Soap, Soup and Salvation. It has grown to be one of the largest charities in the world, operating in 134 countries, as it makes a difference in communities across Canada, just as it does in Fenelon Falls, helping those in need day after day. “We want people to have the fullness of life found in Jesus, and to be part of a community that cares for each other. There is an immediate need, met through the tangible application of your faith. You can see the impact that you are having in the community when you partner with The Salvation Army.”
We live in an era when many households are struggling to get by. “The cost of living is just wild in Ontario. Every Food Bank faces similar problems, whether it is government run or run by a charity. It is always a challenge to meet the rising needs. People in our community are incredible, and there is still a burden of care to meet. Rent is extremely high, and many people cannot afford to buy a home. People are choosing which bills they can afford to pay— Rent? Heat? Hydro? Insurance? Gas? Many people live with the reality that that some payment is going to be missed.”
“I would say roughly 80% of the people that we support have jobs or are seniors living on a fixed income. People from all walks of life use our Food Bank. We have single parents, who are working, and still struggle to cover costs. We have families with two spouses who are both working, and they still need support cover their expenses. In today’s economy if you are making minimum wage and paying rent or a mortgage, there might not be enough funds after expenses are paid to buy groceries. We also have friends experiencing homelessness that come for support. The housing crisis that exists in Fenelon Falls is not as visible as it is in Lindsay or larger centres. Here, there are people who are couch surfing with friends and family. People live in their vehicles or the bush, so they won’t be seen living on the street. People are living fulltime in the motels around Fenelon Falls. It is hidden, and it is a significant issue. There are people who do not have a home in Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon and Cameron, and in many other smaller communities throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our team knows their names, we learn their stories, these are people that are living rough right now, many are seniors, not by choice but by circumstance. You may think that the housing crisis is not affecting your town, but it is a reality that people face everywhere.”
If there is anyone in Fenelon Falls who has a clear perspective on how it is becoming much harder to afford necessities, it is Kaitlyn. “Three years ago, when I came to Fenelon Falls, we were supporting 70 households per month. For the last two years, it has been about two hundred households a month that we regularly support through our Food Bank. When someone needs food support, The Salvation Army does what it can to make sure it is straightforward to receive. “There is a registration process, we gather information to know who we are helping, and how to best support them. The Food Bank is open from 10:00am-3:00pm on Monday and Wednesday. People can call in to book an appointment or just walk in say that you need help. We will send you out with groceries that day. People travel from 19 different communities to access the Food Bank at The Salvation Army. Kawartha Lakes does have other food banks in smaller communities. They are serving their communities in the same way. And, if a household runs out of food before the next appointment day comes, then people will drive or carpool, to the nearest food bank that is open.
The Salvation Army Fenelon Falls’ Food Bank is about the size of an office. “We operate on a shopping model for groceries.” Families are given points to use every two weeks to ‘shop’ the food for their household. Each shelf is colour coded to match the value of points. “So, if you don’t eat lentils, you can choose something else. “That way you don’t have to take items that you and your family won’t eat. Anything that is not edible, for instance pet food, hygiene products, diapers, feminine hygiene products don’t cost any points. It’s the same with fresh produce—everyone can take as much as they like.”
“Every day that the Food Bank is open, we operate a café. Monday is Fuel Up—volunteers put together a lunch which is served from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Hub and Grub operates for the same hours on Wednesday, and provides a hot meal, alongside social support. The City of Kawartha Lakes Outreach Team, Housing First, mental health workers from the Ross Memorial Hospital, Women’s Resources, the Paramedics and OPP officers are there to provide their services on site. The Road Ahead offers mobile mental health support that serves rural communities. On Wednesday, you can have a hot meal, do your groceries and connect with the services that are available. We build a relationship with the friends that we help. People know your name, it’s a place where people know they are loved and cared for—we are a Church. Through our Fuel Up and Hub & Grub programs, we serve 100+ free meals every week.”
The Salvation Army also provides vouchers for the Thrift Store. “If an unhoused friend came in and said they needed new winter gear, we would listen to what they needed. Then we would issue a voucher that they could redeem on us to shop at the Thrift Store. It works the same way for everyone. We also provide support for small household items, housewares, etc., for people moving into new places or those who have lost belongings due to emergencies like fires or floods.”
Fenelon Falls’ Thrift Store is operated by the Salvation Army’s National Recycling Operation. Each year they donate $10,000, which sponsors 10 kids to go to camp each summer. They also provide the vouchers which help families in need.”
“At Christmas time, people tell us about the help that they need, and then our team puts Christmas food boxes together for them that have all the traditional fixings of a Christmas dinner. The Association of Churches in Fenelon Falls is a HUGE supporter of helping us put these food boxes together. Each year, all seven churches do a collection from September – December and bring in items to make up the boxes. Sobey’s sponsors us year-round as well and also helps run the Fill the Fire Truck, with Fire Station 22, to hold a Food Drive. Woodville Farms donates the cabbage, carrots, potatoes and onions for every household. Kawartha Dairy donates the milk. They also receive eggs and basic dry pantry goods for the days around Christmas. Our building does not have storage for 300 turkeys on site, so everyone will receive a grocery card that they can go to the store and purchase the main dish they prefer, like turkey, ham, or whatever makes their Christmas special.”
“Families with children 13 or younger get to come through the chapel, which is set up as a shop your own Christmas Store. For each kid, they receive a budget of $100 that can be redeemed in toys. Each family gets a puzzle or game they can share. Volunteers and clubs knit scarves and mitts for them. Teenagers are harder to shop for, so they get a gift card. All the toys are donated. Fenelon Falls Lions Club & Red Apple run a toy drive, On The Locks, the Ross Memorial Hospital, Curling Club, Legion, Rotary, many of the schools in the region help as well, and neighbors drop off toy donations. Many, many people help put all this together for Christmas; The support is overwhelming and deeply moving. It is an honor to work in such a responsive and compassionate community.”
Back to school assistance is supported by the Rotary, Lions and Boys and Girls Clubs. We have a backpack for each student, and they can go through the store and fill it with the supplies they need for each grade. We turn the chapel into a Back To School Store that families can come in with their kids and pick out their new school year supplies.
Volunteers from the Salvation Army do what they can to help beyond the food that is offered. “I’m always so impressed by the people who partner with us at The Salvation Army. They have big hearts, and they go above and beyond even what we can offer. We have changed tires here because our friends could not afford to go to the garage. One of our volunteers has gone to do quick fixes at people’s houses because they can’t afford to call someone. People have really hard decisions to make when their money is gone, we try to do what we can to fill in some of those gaps.”
Aside from a $6,000 grant received from the City of Kawartha Lakes to support the Hub & Grub program, the Salvation Army does not receive any government funding. “The rest of our money comes from our church and community donations—much of it in The Kettle Campaign that we have out around Christmas time. Every single dollar that we collect stays local and that is the money that runs the Food Bank and Family Services. Last year we collected $70,000—and that kept us going for 2025.” When you stop and think about it, it’s a remarkable that the Salvation Army manages to regularly feed 800 people, providing supports and household goods for just $70,000.
It is the generosity of people from the community that allows them to stretch their budget to help those in need. “Other churches have food drives. The agricultural association provides food and the Horticultural Society’s Victory Garden raises vegetables each year—it’s a very community-minded project. The people who regularly drop by and ask what we need really make a difference. If we had to pay for everything, our budget would have to be much higher.”
“It is a community effort. Every donation makes a difference, $25, $50, or $100 cheques add up. We appreciate receiving any food donations. We don’t say ‘no’ to much. Monetary donations give us the most flexibility, so we can supply ourselves when we get low—but physical product is also very much appreciated. Some things that we never have enough of are: Coffee, tea, peanut butter, kids’ snacks and any kind of canned meat (tuna, salmon, sardines, flaked ham, etc.). Donations of household products and clothing should be given to The Salvation Army Thrift Store (91 Murray St., Fenelon Falls).
If you would like to be one of the many people who do their part to make sure that no one has to go hungry in your community, you can:
- Run a food drive with your friends, family, workplace, club or neighbourhood
- Sign up for The Salvation Army’s monthly list of most needed items, or a call or send an email
- Volunteer by talking to Amy Balsdon at 705 887 1408
- Mail or drop off a cheque to:
Salvation Army
42 Bond St. West
Fenelon Falls, Ontario
- Donate by phone at 705 887 3031
- Donate online at: donate.salvationarmy.ca – and designate Fenelon Falls as your location of choice.
“It’s a wonderful thing to see people’s immediate needs being met. Seeing them gain confidence to overcome the obstacles in their life. Seeing them grow; single moms and dads get jobs; seniors who have been on the waiting list for years finally get housing; seeing young adults who had trouble finishing high school get their GED. It’s special to be here to celebrate that with them. So, join the team! You can give the gift of hope today!”
“Strong communities are built on one act of kindness at a time. Whether you choose to support now or as part of your plans for 2026, know that your contribution has a real impact. Together, we can continue to meet rising needs with compassion, dignity, and hope.”
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to: [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
