November 27, 2023 – Port Colborne ON For a local Port Colborne family the news of The Pie Guy’s “I Love Port Colborne” campaign to assist individuals in need of mental health and addiction recovery truly touched their hearts and has inspired them to match the bakery’s $10,000 campaign goal with a matching gift of $10,000 to bring the total to $20,000.
The Pie Guys launched their “ I Love Port Colborne” campaign just days before Thanksgiving– a fundraising effort that includes selling embossed rubber bracelets and key chains to promote community kindness to assist local individuals in need of assistance with mental health, addiction recovery support and homelessness.
“We are completely overwhelmed that people unknown to us would come forward and match our goal. We started this campaign as a way to bring awareness and support to a community that welcomed us with open arms and to help many of the most vulnerable desperate need,” explains Rob Carter, co-owner of The Pie Guys. The “I Love Port Colborne” campaign directs proceeds to a special fund at Port Cares to pay for supports such as un-funded medication, transportation and special needs for adults who are experiencing mental health crisis or are pursuing addiction recovery or homelessness.
Last week The Pie Guys for the first time met their previously unknown” I Love Port Colborne” champions when John and Roseanne Marsh of Port Colborne on behalf of their family visited the West street Café for an introduction.
“My husband John read the news article about The Pie Guys on Thanksgiving weekend. He was so moved by the kindness and generosity of Rob and Brennon that he felt it was important that our family do something to acknowledge this incredible act of kindness,” explains Roseanne Marsh. “We canvassed our children and grandchildren and they fully agreed. Although we have been customers of The Pie Guys we had never met Rob and Brennon. It was wonderful to meet to and thank them in person for their kindness and to match the campaign goal.”
Rob notes that more than 600 bracelets and key chains have been sold to date and they hope to sell-out and meet the $10,000 goal before Christmas. “The bracelets and key chains make a great Christmas stocking stuffer. “
Christine Clark Lafleur, Chief Executive Officer, Port Cares explains that the charity through its community navigation service helps individuals struggling with all types 
of barriers and challenges. “Many of the people we assist who face an addiction or mental crisis do not have the means or family members or friends who can assist them. This fund will help provide the resources for transportation or other needs required to help a person in their recovery.”
“There’s the old saying that kindness breeds kindness and that is certainly the story of The Pie Guys and the Marsh family coming forward. We are so fortunate to have such a compassionate community in Port Colborne where people go above and beyond to help those in need.”