Hunger exists, even in a picturesque and relatively affluent township such as Scugog.

So it was great news, then, that the Rotary Club of Port Perry surpassed its goal in its annual food fundraiser held in June. When all the donations were tallied, the community had collectively donated more than 2,200 pounds of food for needy families in Scugog’s communities. An additional $230 in cash donations as part of the effort was also counted.

Maple Leaf Foods also donated 150 pounds of product that were used at a fundraising barbecue at the Port Perry Foodland, which helped add to the total. Other local corporate supporters who deserve recognition for showing leadership include A Oppers Ltd., Port Perry Dental Centre, Port Perry Flow Yoga Studio, Scotiabank, Vos’ Independent, Foodland and Food Basics.

It must be a comfort for food bank recipients -- and a badge of honour for the community as a whole -- that there is such ready support in Scugog for those who require a hand up in a time of need. We cheerfully acknowledge the leadership shown by local business owners, but also that of each and every individual donor who bought some extra food staples at the grocery store, or who donated cash for such a worthy cause.

Rotary’s motto is ‘Service Above Self’. The annual food drive certainly lives up to that ideal and local Rotarians must be credited for their oversight in this achievement. But the summer’s not yet over and Rotary has more events on tap for Scugog residents. They include the upcoming Aquarama in which they hope to enter teams to help raise funds, and the annual Rotary golf tournament is set for September. These events also serve as important fundraisers for community causes.

There is something special about a community that uniformly and consistently responds to the call for assistance. Led by groups like Rotary, there is no shortage of ideas to help others in Scugog, nor is there any shortage of the will among citizens to respond.

If you donated to the recent food drive, you’re in good company. Looking ahead, we hope still more residents who have the means can add to the response when the next call is issued.

People needn’t be hungry in our modern society. In Scugog, they needn’t even worry. Someone is there to take the lead and lend that important hand up when it’s required.

-- Metroland Media Group Ltd., Durham Region Division