KITCHENER WATERLOO – Local broadcaster, Don Cameron knows a thing or two about potatoes, and he knows a thing or two about community spirit. Raised in a family of sixteen in Prince Edward Island, Don remembers helping with the potato harvest and taking potatoes home to share with his family. Now, Don helps to feed families in Kitchener Waterloo. 2009 marks the twelfth year that Don and the Kitchener Rangers have teamed up to collect potatoes and donations in support of House of Friendship’s annual February Potato Blitz.

“We settled here because the surrounding landscape reminded me very much of Prince Edward Island, and while Kitchener Waterloo has grown, it has always maintained a small town community spirit that prides itself on taking care of our neighbours,” explains Don. “House of Friendship’s February Potato Blitz is a part of this. It’s pretty near and dear to me to see folks getting behind the Blitz and helping our neighbours in need,” he continues.

Don and the Rangers invite local hockey fans to show their support at Don Cameron Potato Night with the Kitchener Rangers at the Aud on Sunday February 15, 7pm, when the Rangers take on the London Knights. Fans can make donations or drop off potatoes on their way into the game. Don Cameron Potato Night is the first of three February Potato Blitz events.

The goal of the Blitz is to collect enough money (and/or potatoes) to ensure a supply of 165,000 pounds of potatoes, which the agency uses each year throughout its 18 programs to help feed those in need. Any remaining proceeds will buy other items for the Emergency Food Hamper program, which in January 2009 provided 3,167 food hampers to local families (155 more than last year). Thanks to Marhaven Farms of St. Jacobs, House of Friendship is able to purchase potatoes year-round at the very low fixed price of 10 cents per pound, enabling them to make the most of Potato Blitz donations.

On Saturday February 21, 2009, 9am - 3pm local shoppers can also ‘get into the game’ during the Supermarket Blitz at participating grocery stores in Kitchener Waterloo. Volunteers from Presbyterian and United churches will be at select locations collecting donations and potatoes. Finally, you can share a warm lunch with friends of House of Friendship at its Community Potato Lunch, Friday February 27, 12-1pm at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Kitchener. All are welcome at this special potato lunch that includes homemade potato soups and baked potatoes. There is no cost for lunch, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

At other times donations can be made throughout the month at the Emergency Food Hamper Program, 807 Guelph St., Kitchener, (Mon.- Fri., 9am-4pm), at the Charles Street Men’s Hostel, 63 Charles St., E., Kitchener (anytime) or mailed to House of Friendship, PO Box 1837, Kitchener N2G 4R3.

House of Friendship is a charitable agency founded in partnership with local Christian churches. 2009 marks its 70th year of service to low-income adults, youth and children, primarily throughout Waterloo Region, who are in need of support. It also promotes opportunities for personal growth, wholesome relationships and community development through the application of holistic Christian principles. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors, it serves over 32,500 people annually through 18 different residential and community outreach programs. More information can be found at www.houseoffriendship.org.