Grey County celebrates impact of OSHaRE

Grey County has recognized OSHaRE for their dedication to eliminating hunger in the community and their support of the SOS program. At the March 27 Grey County Council meeting, Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs and Paramedic Chief Kevin McNab celebrated OSHaRE’s contributions to the community.

The Owen Sound Hunger and Relief Effort (OSHaRE) provides meal programs to the community and was one of the first partners of the Supportive Outreach Services (SOS) program started in 2021. SOS runs community outreach markets for people who have difficulty accessing health and community services in traditional ways. The program focuses on those dealing with mental health or addiction issues or experiencing homelessness. Since 2024, the Owen Sound SOS market has operated regularly at the OSHaRE facility. The building provides a space for meals and private rooms where paramedics, nurse practitioners, doctors and other services can provide care and support. OSHaRE continues to supply food for SOS markets both in Owen Sound and in Hanover.

In 2024, OSHaRE served more than 212,000 community meals, school lunches and family meals. Working with the Salvation Army, they support Grey Bruce Food Share by rescuing food from local grocery stores and businesses to redistribute in the community. They also packed 160 ‘good food’ boxes each month to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to individuals.

OSHaRE also steps up during emergency situations. “One morning we had to evacuate a bunch of people in an emergency,” said Chief McNab. “I called OSHaRE at five in the morning and we had breakfast for everyone by seven.” 

Executive Director Colleen Trask-Seaman accepted a certificate of appreciation on behalf of OSHaRE. Trask-Seaman was part of the founding board in 2013 and spoke to how much the charitable organization has grown.

“We never thought we would be serving 25,000 meals in a month, or that we would have a room in our facility where amazing nurses, paramedics, mental health professionals, a nurse practitioner and a doctor come together to serve our community,” said Trask-Seaman. “We’re humbled to be a small part of an incredible team of professionals from so many different services who choose to come together in the true spirit of collaboration to care for our neighbours.”

OSHaRE is supported by 7 staff and over 140 volunteers who contributed 14,700 hours last year. More information about OSHaRE is available on their website at https://oshare.ca/about-us/vision/.

-30-

For media inquiries contact Rob Hatten, Communications Manager at rob.hatten [at] grey.ca (rob[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca) or call 519-373-152.