Paige Seburn
Niagara Now/The Lake Report

Practical service with a personal touch, plus an opportunity to support a heartfelt cause? Not a bad deal for the folks at the annual Shred-it fundraiser this past Saturday.

Community members arrived at Simpson’s Pharmacy the morning of Aug. 17 with boxes full of confidential documents, which were taken from their cars by volunteers with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care and moved into Shred-it trucks.

Then, they were shredded inside the trucks and, later, transported for secure disposal.

The palliative care group’s annual campaign, which ran from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, helps raise funds to support its programs, which provide those living with a serious illness both the medical and quality-of-life support they need.

Saturday’s shredding raised $6,037.40, said Bonnie Bagnulo, executive director of the palliative care service.

What started as a modest program has grown into a significant, large-scale operation, said Bagnulo.

It was initially started by the women’s auxiliary of the old NOTL hospital and Meridian Credit Union as a safe and convenient way for people to dispose of sensitive documents, she said.

Over the years, as the community’s support grew, so did the group’s resources, she said. It now has multiple Shred-it trucks to ensure everyone is taken care at the fundraiser.

“We want to make sure that nobody gets turned away, especially after they’ve saved up all their confidential papers, knowing they’re going to shred them and make a donation to our organization,” said Bagnulo.

With more trucks on-site, and the support of sponsors like developer Rainer Hummel — who provided an additional shredding truck and covered the cost of cardboard disposal — she said that they were able to keep prices low and ensure it ran smoothly and efficiently.

Disposal cost $8 for one box of papers or $20 for three boxes — in total, the palliative care organization raised $6,037.40 from this year’s Shred-it campaign.

The group usually has about 25 dedicated volunteers for the fundraiser, making it all possible, said Bagnulo. 

Volunteer Marlene Bridgman, who has been a dedicated part of the Shred-It campaign for several years, said she is delighted with its continued success. 

“It’s just amazing that so many people come and support this. And it’s amazing that they keep coming back every year,” she said. 

It’s heartwarming to see the community’s support and unity, said Bridgman. 

Shred-It employee Chris Dahmer, a familiar face at the fundraiser for nearly a decade, said he appreciates the program’s positive impact. 

“I’m glad we can help out the community and palliative care,” he said. “It’s a great service for a lot of older people and those who don’t have a shredder at home, too.”