Two of New Canaan’s best-established businesses are supporting a locally run nonprofit organization with a “donation day” Wednesday.
On Dec. 8, 10% of all proceeds at Stewart’s Wine & Spirits will go toward Feeding 500, which raises money for the food program at Open Doors in Norwalk.
Additionally, T-Bill customers of Walter Stewart’s Market can donate their T-Bills to the organization all day.
New Canaan High School junior Oliver Tuff, founder and president of Feeding 500, said the local support is “crucial” to the organization’s success.
“We started as a way to get local high schoolers and the New Canaan community more involved in community efforts so the money and food we have raised so far has been due to the support we’ve gotten from the community,” Tuff told NewCanaanite.com in an email. “Also, I would tell those who are looking to shop at Walter Stewart’s Market and Stewart’s Spirits and would like to donate to go shop in the afternoon however any support is much appreciated.”
Open Doors is a housing and homeless service organization that provides resources for individuals and families on the path to housing stability.
Its programs include an emergency shelter, case management, affordable homes, street outreach, food, children’s resources and a “community closet” or shop where clients can find seasonal clothing, shoes and household necessities.
Tuff, whose family has been involved with Open Doors, started Feeding 500 as a NCHS student and the group, which fundraises for the food program, now includes dozens of New Canaan and Darien students.
Doug Stewart, vice president at Walter Stewart’s Market, said when asked what led to his decision to help Feeding 500 that the local businesses “support a number of local food shelters and providers, including Person2Person, the New Canaan Food Pantry, and U.S. Food Rescue.”
“We were familiar with Open Doors and the service they provide but we were particularly impressed with Oliver Tuff and his group of high school volunteers,” Stewart said. “He has demonstrated great initiative. Oliver and Feeding 500 are making a difference and we are thrilled to support their effort.