TOFE, FEO, April 25, 2024, VOL. 5 ISSUE 17

Through the distribution of ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses, the Town of
Fort Erie has raised an astounding 16,609 donations leading up to the Total
Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.  The effort directly supports the
Town’s Strategic Plan pillar, “Quality of Life and Community Well-Being.”

Recognizing an opportunity to promote the eclipse and safe viewing, the Town
of Fort Erie collected food and personal items, including toiletries, to aid
those facing hardships in Fort Erie. Collections were received at Fort Erie
Town Hall and the three library branches, where residents generously
contributed to the cause. High school students from the Mayor’s Youth Advisory
Committee (MYAC) and Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) volunteered
their time in exchange for community service hours to count and sort the
16,000+ items in multiple phases of the collection over two months beginning in
February 2024.

Recognizing an opportunity to promote the eclipse and safe viewing, the Town
of Fort Erie collected food and personal items, including toiletries, to aid
those facing hardships in Fort Erie. Collections were received at Fort Erie
Town Hall and the three library branches, where residents generously
contributed to the cause. High school students from the Mayor’s Youth Advisory
Committee (MYAC) and Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) volunteered
their time in exchange for community service hours to count and sort the
16,000+ items in multiple phases of the collection over two months beginning in
February 2024.

As anticipation and excitement grew, the Fort Erie community united through
giving to ensure everyone could safely witness this extraordinary event.
Through the support of Fort Erie residents, businesses, and organizations, the
initial goal of 2,500 was exceeded within the first week of the eight-week
campaign.

“We are deeply grateful for our community’s overwhelming support. By
uniting to support initiatives like this, we demonstrate our commitment to
safety, education, and community well-being, as well as our collective
curiosity and kindness. Thank you, Fort Erie.”

Mayor Wayne Redekop

The many donations will benefit individuals and families in the Fort Erie
community experiencing food insecurity and lacking access to essential
toiletries.

The substantial donations received have been distributed among several Fort
Erie partner organizations, including:

Fort Erie Salvation Army

COPE – Community Outreach Program Erie

St. Vincent De Paul / St. George’s Church

Crystal Ridge Dream Centre

Fort Erie Strong Neighbourhoods

Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre

Centennial Library Branch Pantry

Fort Erie would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to all donors,
volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to this remarkable community
engagement initiative, including:

-Fort Erie Residents

-Mayor Redekop and Fort Erie Council

-Fort Erie Staff (especially the Customer Service Unit)

-Fort Erie Library staff – for assistance in collecting thousands of
donations

-MYAC/GFESS high school students for their assistance with sorting and
counting the numerous donations

“The commitment from everyone involved has been instrumental in the
success of this initiative, ensuring that Fort Erie residents experienced the
solar eclipse safely and that those facing hardships will receive the vital
support they require. “

CAO, Chris McQueen

Recycling Solar Eclipse Glasses

The Town of Fort Erie will collect used glasses for donation to the
Astronomers Without Borders organization for proper recycling/disposal. If
you’re not saving your glasses as a sentimental souvenir, visit Fort Erie Town
Hall or any of the three libraries and drop them in the collection bins.
Astronomers Without Borders provides collected glasses to people worldwide who
may not have access to view an eclipse event safely.