Food & Hygiene Bank
If you need food assistance, and live in Pelham, click below for a simple and confidential registration form – once received, we will get back to you to schedule your first appointment.
Additional Information
On your first visit, you must bring:
- Identification for each member of the household
- proof of a Pelham address (e.g. a current utility bill)
During your 20-minute Food Bank appointment, one of our volunteer Shopper Helpers will assist you in choosing groceries, hygiene items, and household essentials that work best for you and your family. Appointments to use the Food Bank can be made no more than once every 30 days.
Appointment Days & Times
Appointment days/times for Self-Shop are:
- Tuesday afternoons: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
- Wednesday mornings: 9:00 am – 11:30 am
- Thursday mornings: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
More information on DONATING FOOD to Pelham Cares: Click here!
Medical Drive Program
Getting to a medical appointment is important, but those who don’t drive a vehicle may find it challenging to get there, if friends or relatives are unable to help. Pelham Cares offers volunteer driver services for residents of Pelham who have no other means of transportation. There is no fee for this service, however, clients are responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses, such as parking fees.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this service, you must:
- Be a resident of Pelham
- Be able to walk and get in and out of a vehicle with minimal assistance (walkers are permitted; unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs)
Requesting A Ride
If you are a resident of Pelham, need a ride to a medical appointment, and have no other means of transportation, call us at 905-892-5300.
When requesting a ride, please provide ample time for us to coordinate a volunteer driver. We ask for:
- At least 4 days’ notice for local appointments
- At least 8 days’ notice for out-of-town appointments
Drives are not guaranteed, and the number of drives you can request per month may be limited based on availability of volunteer drivers. Transportation is provided to and from the appointment only and does not include any other stops.
Volunteer Drivers
Our Volunteer Drivers are friendly, local neighbours who have provided Pelham Cares with evidence of:
- A Police Record Check from Niagara Regional Police Service
- A Driver’s Abstract indicating a safe driving record
For more information on how to become a Volunteer Driver with Pelham Cares, contact us via email: info@pelhamcares.org
Youth Programs
Back-To-School Program
Having the right supplies is an important way to get off to a good start at Back-To-School time. To ease the cost, Pelham Cares offers Registered Clients a selection of new items such as backpacks, lunch bags, crayons, pens, markers, etc. for their school-age children before classes begin in September.
Birthday Program
Birthdays are special for kids—whether it’s their own or a friend’s. To help with gift-giving, Pelham Cares offers a selection of new, unwrapped toys and children’s gifts for Registered Clients. Parents can choose items for their child’s birthday or to give as a present at a friend’s party.
Youth Sport & Recreation Subsidy
Extracurricular activities help kids learn important skills, build confidence, do better in school, and discover new interests.
Pelham Cares offers financial help to local low-income families to cover the cost of activities like sports, music, dance, tutoring, and more for children under the age of 18.
To be eligible for this subsidy, families must live in Pelham and must provide current financial information.
To access Youth Programming:
- Registered Clients: please email info@pelhamcares.org to inquire further
- New Clients: Register below
If you would like to be a financial supporter of Youth Programs, find out more about how to donate financially or with useful items.
Seasonal Programs
Thanksgiving Hampers
At Thanksgiving, we provide extra help so clients can prepare a holiday meal at home. This may include a grocery store gift card or seasonal food items. Registered Clients will be offered this additional assistance in the weeks prior to Thanksgiving.
Christmas Toys
Christmas toys, children’s books and new pyjamas for the Hampers are collected through generous donations each year. To best match each child’s wishes, an Angel Tree is set up at the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill: each tag on the tree lists a child’s age and gift wish. Donors pick a tag, buy a new unwrapped gift, and return it with the tag. Other donations for the Hampers are collected and gifted by community groups and individuals throughout the holiday season.
Registered Clients can request a Christmas Hamper by filling out and submitting the form below. Once we receive it, we will contact you.
Christmas Hampers
In December, we extend additional assistance to Registered Clients: individuals and families can request a Christmas Hamper which may include extra food items, a gift card to a local grocery store, and gift items for children under the age of 18.
Registered Clients can request a Christmas Hamper by filling out and submitting the form below. Once we receive it, we will contact you.
Christmas Hamper Form
Warm Winter Coats & Accessories
As the weather turns colder, warm clothing becomes essential. For many people, particularly new Canadians and families with growing children, the cost of winter gear can be a challenge. Pelham Cares accepts clean, gently-used coats, boots, and accessories to help support these families.
If you are in need of warm items, a selection of cold-weather apparel in various sizes is available at Pelham Cares from mid-October through January each year (subject to availability).
To access Seasonal Programming:
- Registered Clients: please email info@pelhamcares.org to inquire further
- New Clients: Register below
If you are interested in helping support seasonal giving by donating, please click here.
Finances
Budget Counselling
If you would like a personalized review of your finances and some tips for managing your expenses, please email info@pelhamcares.org to make an appointment.
Income Tax Filing
If you file a simple tax return and need some support in doing so, please email info@pelhamcares.org to make an appointment.
Utility Support Program
The Ontario Energy Board, offers financial assistance to low-income households to manage utility bills. Pelham Cares, a Registered Intake Agency, can help you apply for available subsidies or connect you with the right resources. For more information, please email info@pelhamcares.org.
To access help with your Finances:
- Registered Clients: please email info@pelhamcares.org to inquire further
- New Clients: Register below
Other Services
Emergency Support
Unexpected life events and emergencies can happen. Pelham Cares offers extra help to people in emergency situations by providing emergency food, personal hygiene, and, in some cases, other needed resources. Call us at 905-892-5300 if you are in need of emergency support.
Information & Referrals
Pelham Cares is connected to a range of services across the Niagara community. If you’re in need, we can help guide you to resources such as legal support, housing assistance, and more. We’ll do our best to connect you with the help that’s available. Contact us by email or phone.
Years
Children's Christmas Gifts
Medical drives annually
individuals served at food bank
Get In Touch
Location: 191 Hwy 20 East
P.O. Box 1173
Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
Telephone: (905) 892-5300
Email: info@pelhamcares.org
Hours of Operation:
Weekdays 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
(Tuesdays until 4:30 pm)
Closed weekends