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PAGE Thursday, March 12, 2026 The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette BRAVES LEAD APPLEJACKS
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026
MCC Ontario, Food Bank of Waterloo Region partner to supply canned chicken to families in need
AMANDA NELSON Gazette Reporter
so we went and tried to communicate with those people to tell them they really shouldn’t be doing that in dangerous waters.” The people in the canoe were able to get out of the river safely, but Mechalko said “disaster tourism” can be an issue during floods, including on the recently redone boardwalk behind the fire station.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Ontario and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region are launching a new partnership to provide high-quality protein to families experiencing food insecurity in Waterloo Region, where one in nine households access food assistance. The first shipment of more than 1,000 cans of chicken left the distribution centre at MCC Hub, 65 Heritage Dr., New Hamburg, on Monday, March 9, and travelled to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region to be distributed to local organizations through the Community Food Assistance Network. The Community Food Assistance Network consists of 61 organizations and more than 120 food assistance programs, including large entities like House of Friendship and smaller churches and community groups, all of which will benefit from the newly established connection. These agencies offer various food assistance programs such as emergency meal programs, community food cupboards and food hampers throughout Waterloo Region. Jaime Bickerton, director of agency and
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A drone photo shows the extensive flooding in New Hamburg last weekend. Full story on page 4.
(LOU DIVITA PHOTO)
Officials urge caution as Nith River floods again
Flooding dangers not being heeded by all LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
When flooding affects New Hamburg or other parts of Wilmot Township, several local and regional organizations coordinate the response to keep residents safe and informed. The Nith River was up to its old tricks again over the weekend and into this
week, something that keeps several township departments hopping. Acting Wilmot Fire Chief Andrew Mechalko said his staff acts as boots on the ground during flooding events, including his volunteer firefighters. “We keep a pulse on the community, and I’d say it’s a bonus to have eyes throughout the community. One of our firefighters saw somebody canoeing,
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