OUR HISTORY (1986 - 2014)

SPOT: An informal group of concerned citizens, committed to caring and sharing with others.

1986: Our first Christmas we were off to visit seniors, shut-ins and do some carol singing. We had 2 bundles of apples, 2 cases of oranges and candy canes. We packed a box for a needy family December 22, 1986. We delivered fruit baskets, brought teddy bears for two young people who were ill. Already local groups wanted to help.

1987: We kept raising money through dances, fudge sales and suppers. We registered 2 bursaries of $100.00 each for Bursaries Industrial Art Students at PRHS. At the end of November, a special meeting was called. Community Volunteer Action Group (CVA) wanted to partner and operate a used clothing store and food depot. In December, Hollis Steeves (local MLA), guest speaker at our meeting, had Wade's Shell Station for us to lease.

1988: April the lease was signed and we were in business. Lots of maintenance needed to be done. We received a grant of $7,500.00 from the government. In June we opened for clothing only. Volunteers from churches and schools did food drives. Used deep freezers started arriving, and a washer and drier were donated.

1989: The Grand Opening was held on February 10, 1989. The facility was dedicated by Rev. Jazen. Master of Ceremonies was Rankin Smith. There were 80 people in attendance. We opened Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We now had a cookbook on board (100).

1990: In April 1990, the basement was being prepared to house men's wear and 179 families had been served with food by this time.

1995: In 1995, the department of Social Services brought a set of guidelines. As of 1994, sales were $1,700.00. By 1996, we had a new furnace installed, a new roof Labor Day weekend, gravel for the driveway, and lights put up outside. All done by volunteers.

1997: By 1997, the food bank had helped 513 families and the grant was now $12,000.00. At this time there were talks that the government wanted to sell the building.

2002: In January 2002, we acquired legal counsel to discuss the sale of SPOT.

2005 - 2006: February 2005 was devastating to say the least when we arrived at SPOT in the morning and someone had broken in and stole food. How could that happen and who would do such a horrible thing? The sadness turned to joy due to the abundance of companies, churches, clubs and private donors giving food, cash, and a new alarm system. By 2006 we started looking for a bigger place.

2013: In 2013 we moved into the new SPOT building on 5 Mill Road. It was just what the doctor ordered. Sherry Wilson (MLA at that time) convinced NB Government and David Alward (Premier)  to give us the old Department of Natural Resources building. It was just beg enough - perfect you could say. Volunteers worked their hearts out scrubbing walls, windows and even doing the painting to make sure that everything was just so. Shelves were built and the food bank looked beautiful.

2013 Continued: We opened to the public on Monday, October 7, 2013. SPOT burned to the ground the following Sunday, October 13 (Thanksgiving). It was a horrible tragedy. Come that Tuesday following Thanksgiving, we were often at our old location receiving in kind gifts and donations. They came in the front, back, and even the side door - it was overwhelming at times. We had insurance on our new building, so that was great news. The girls received enough food to open the food bank on Wednesday, October 16 which was amazing. The in kind donations came from far and wide and included freezers, fridges, money, food, and even the village crew who helped us in any way they could.

2013 - 2014: We now know through everyone's help that whatever happens "We Will Rise Above It!" Our plan then after many meetings was to build a new building a 5 Mill Road. A building committee - Murray Bunnett, Laurie Steward, John Brubacher, and Shirley Murphy worked all fall of 2013 and Spring of 2014 to bring this project to fruition. We have been so blessed by the out-pouring of generosity and support of so many businesses and individuals - beyond our wildest expectations for this project.

Written by Shirley Murphy (Co-Founder)