What to do? What to do?

Just recently I found my cheque from the “Dougfather” in my mailbox. I didn’t ask for it and think it is a political ploy. But I have it.

So, what to do with it? Before it came, with federal tax reductions (from Justbeen), I could have filled my fridge with beer or gone to one of our fine restaurants — once. My kids are all adults, so I don’t need toys and I don’t need diapers — yet.

I like the idea of supporting local initiatives. So, let’s dip our toes in there.

I could pay for my memberships in the Museum, the Lodge, the Legion, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, or my wife’s for the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre and NOTL Arts Collective.

I haven’t forgotten The Lake Report, the clear winner of the two-newspaper fight with so many awards.

I could give it to any of our churches, Wells of Hope, Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, we have so many.

Then I thought, being as cheap as I am — who can stretch $200 the farthest? The Red Roof Retreat, the Salvation Army? But I remembered a really local charity, in the middle of Virgil, our food bank Newark Neighbours. Food banks know how to stretch a dollar!

Over the past 27 years, I have watched volunteers work in a cramped building to now arrive at their spacious, bright home. So, that is where my money went.

You may have cashed your cheque earlier, but you still have the money to ponder. I wrote this just to help everyone think of where we can do the most good in our community.

Your choice may be quite different from mine, but please, put the money into the community, not in retail (it always gets there anyway).

Robert Moorhead
NOTL