Fort Erie, Ontario - April 16, 2024—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.
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
- 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 Border provides collected glasses to people worldwide who may not have access to view an eclipse event safely.