Three Loonies make a million

Darling Insurance’s Peter Blodgett might have sounded loonie predicting that his fundraising for the local food bank would top a million dollars – but those words have proven true.

When all the silver, loonies and toonies were counted, donations topped $99,000 for the 14th annual event in Peterborough, Ont., generating over $1,076,000 for Kawartha Food Share since the ‘Three Loonies on the Street’ started over a decade ago.

 “I’m glad I’m in a position now to do something about it for others,” Blodgett told Insurance Business. “I believe in philanthropy – I believe in giving back to the community.”

Simulcast live on local Corus Radio stations 101.5 The Wolf and Hits 100.5, the Loonies and their band of merry volunteers station themselves at the corners of King and George Streets in Peterborough beginning at 7 am, gratefully accepting donations from all passers-by. While fundraising efforts begin in earnest in November each year, the annual Friday event – this time held on December 12 – offers everyone a chance to celebrate the charity of the season, says Blodgett, and includes broadcast performances by high school music and drama students, local musicians, as well as messages of support from the Police and Fire Departments and dignitaries.

Along with Blodgett, the Three Loonies are local business leaders Bob McGillen of McGillen - Keay - Cooper Law Office and Robb Bennett of the Liftlock Group in Peterborough.

But it is the tremendous community support that Blodgett wants to thank for reaching the goal.

“I would like to thank the following valued industry partners for their continued support: The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group; Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company; North Waterloo Farmers Mutual Insurance; Boiler Inspection & Insurance Co. of Canada; and HTM Insurance Company,” says Blodgett. “This level of success could not be reached without their contributions.”

Kawartha Food Share is a central collection and distribution warehouse, assisting more than 7,600 men, women and children every month through 36 member agencies in the City and County of Peterborough. With every $1 donated, Kawartha Food Share can purchase and distribute up to $6 worth of food.