News & Announcements

Into the Breach presentation - May 22

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

We're sorry to announce that the Into The Breach presentation scheduled for tonight, May 22nd, has been cancelled due to personal reasons. Please stay tuned for an announcement on the rescheduled event. Kindly share this news with those you know planned to attend. Thanks for your consideration.


Through small group discussions, we'll learn how to be stronger fathers, better husbands, and men fit for the breach. This all comes together at the Into the Breach program. You're invited by the Knights of Columbus to join this presentation at the on Thursday, May 22, 2025, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Holy Rosary Hall, 35 Queen St. S. Thorold. For more details on Into the Breach, contact Alex Nascimento via email, alexandre.nascimento78@gmail.com

Garden Fest Features Products for Healthy Lawn and Garden

Niagara has a solution for a season of lush gardens, vibrant lawns, and healthy plants! The solution starts with the Knights of Columbus 2319 at their 5th annual Garden Fest in Thorold. The community event will feature a fertilizer, grass seed, and compost sale. Potted plants from Schenck Farms will also be available. It's your one-stop shop for all the essentials to nurture your garden and yard.
Event Details:
Fri., April 25, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sat., April 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun, April 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Holy Rosary Hall, parking lot, Sullivan Avenue, Thorold


Whether you’re planting a new lawn, feeding your garden beds, or giving your outdoor spaces a spring refresh, the Knights will have the perfect products for you. The high-quality fertilizers selected for Garden Fest are designed to nourish your soil and promote healthy, vigorous growth. Choose grass seed varieties to suit your needs for sun or shade areas. Additionally, don’t miss our premium compost donated by Walker Industries for rich, organic material that will boost plant health and structure.


Why Choose Garden Fest?


Customer Service: The Knights will be in action to help you load up the right products for your lawn's or garden’s needs.
Top-Quality Products: Garden Fest stocks top quality, local products including fertilizers, grass seeds, compost, and potted plants ensuring your lawn and garden thrives.


Great Value: Enjoy great deals with all-in pricing on premium gardening products during this 3-day sale!
Support Charities: Proceeds from the sale will be donated to local charities; Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation, Wellspring Niagara, Special Olympics (St. Catharines), and St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank (Thorold).


Thanks to Sponsors The Knights appreciate the support of Garden Fest sponsors. Financial support from Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, Dixie Regulator and Torch Repair, Marr’s Thorold Foodland, Club Belvedere, Golden Gardens Supply Co., Buck or Two Thorold, JKJ Heating and Air Conditioning enable the Knights to promote the fundraising event for our charities.


Growing together over the past 4 years with Garden Fest and Harvest Fest in Thorold, the Knights’ events have donated $20,952 to charities.


Key highlights of Garden Fest fundraising event:


Buy Local. Get great deals on top quality, local fertilizer and grass seed supplied by Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corp., compost from Walker Industries, and potted plants from Schenck Farms and Greenhouses. We’re growing together!


50/50 Draw. Purchase tickets in the Knights of Columbus 2319 50/50 draw for a chance to win a cash prize. You will be helping us help others!


Bottle Drive. Donate recyclable beer, wine or liquor containers purchased in Ontario. Proceeds go to charities. Help us keep the environment clean and safe.
Food Collection. Come to Garden Fest to donate non perishable foods for the SVDP Food Bank supporting local families in need


“We’re thrilled to bring together gardening enthusiasts and local companies for this year’s Garden Fest,” said John Perri, Knights of Columbus member and event chair. “We're offering products that are perfect for gardeners who want to grow beautiful plants. We’re proud to be offering solutions that support healthy, sustainable gardening practices.”

Not too far from the Garden Fest event, you can also meet the Knights at the Earth Day celebration hosted by the City of Thorold. Customers can purchase lawn and garden products from the Knights at the community event in the Thorold Arena, Sat. April 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Knights famous Beef on a Bun will be on sale as well as hot dogs and popcorn at the arena canteen during the Earth Day celebration.

2025 Backetball Free Throw Competition

The Free Throw Championship sponsored by Knights of Columbus 2319 in Thorold provided youth with a rewarding activity, as winners are provided with a chance to compete at the Council, District, and Regional levels. The local Council competition was held on Saturday, January 18 at Denis Morris Catholic High School in St. Catharines, Ontario.
This Championship competition is open to all boys and girls in our community from ages 9 to 17 years.
"Everything went pretty good, we're happy to get one competition under our belts again and lead the way for our area in bringing back this program.



Pictured here is our team of volunteer Knights after we just finished up the competition.



The 13 year old competition that has our boy and girl winners and runner ups. Julian (white t-shirt) scored 13/15 on the day, the best record. the rest of the people are Aviyah, Joseph and Maegan.


The 12 year olds. In order are Mason, Dawson, Khyla and Adriana.



The 11 year old winners and runners up and picture 6 is one of the competitions in progress,



Andrew Natale, brother Knight and event co-ordinator is shown handing out an invitation to the next round

with one of the student volunteers shown in the background.



The competition is shown in prorgress


We had participants from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, St. Theresa, Burleigh Hill, St. Christopher, Oak RIdge. Winners and runner ups are going to do their district competition in Niagara Falls on February 7th.
"I think most people had a lot of fun!" said Andrew.

Winners List - Basketball Free Throw Competition

The Basketball Free Throw Competition held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Denis Morris Catholic High School was sponsored by all Knights of Columbus councils in the St. Catharines District 11. The winners will proceedi onto the district level of competition on February 7th in Niagara Falls. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all the students participating in the competition as well as the Knights who volunteered to run this successful event.

Girls 13
1. Aviyah Hamilton, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary CES
2. Maegan Dela Paz, St. Theresa CES


Boys 13
1. Julian Diaz, St. Theresa CES
2. Joseph M., Our Lady of the Holy Rosary CES


Girls 12
1. Khyla Jehish, St. Theresa CES
2. Adriana Marchione, St. Christopher CES


Boys 12
1. Mason Menard, Burleigh Hill Elementary School
2. Dawson Jenckes, St. Christopher CES


Girls 11
1. Isabella Murphy, St. Theresa CES
2. Trinity Shelton, Burleigh Hill Elementary School


Boys 11
1. Ethan Isaak, St. Theresa CES
2. Raymar Morris, St. Christopher CES


Girls 10
1. McKenna Ballin, St. Theresa CES


Boys 10
1. Panith Gorthi, Oakridge Elementary School
2. Sebastian Rivadeneira Bueno, St. Christopher CES


Girls 9
1. Elmedina Syla, Burleigh Hill Elementary School
2. Brooklyn Carlucci, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary CES

Boys 9
1. Raymond Angor St. Theresa CES
2. Eromosele (Stephen) Ijie, Burleigh Hill Elementary School

Knights assist St. Vincent Paul Society in presentation of Christmas Food Baskets to Families in Need

Photos and article written by Paul Carfagnini, Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus 2319

The St. Vincent DePaul Society in Thorold with assistance by Knights of Columbus members presented Christmas food baskets to 70 local families in need, bringing joy and relief to many during the holiday season. The families came to Holy Rosary Hall on Saturday, December 21, to pick up their Christmas gifts.

These food baskets, filled with items such as cereal, pasta, carrots, potato chips, apples, canned goods, and desserts were packaged to support families facing financial challenges. The families referred to SVDP by Community Care St. Catharines - Thorold also received a $25 Big Red Market gift certificate.

The presentation also included $25 gift cards given to 169 children from the 70 participating families so they could shop for a toy during the holiday season.
The Knights of Columbus supported the presentation with their Coats for Kids program. New coats were given to 18 children from deserving families.

The SVDP also set up a table covered with toys to give to children.


The Christmas presentation is part of the SVDP Food Bank's aim to assist families in need. The presentation is held annually during the holidays when many feel a cash crunch, dampening their hopes of a festive meal for their loved ones. SVDP volunteers joined a team from the Knights of Columbus to assemble and distribute the baskets, ensuring that each family received the necessary items to make their holiday celebrations a bit brighter.
In addition to giving families the food, the collaboration by the SVDP, Knights of Columbus and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church shows a united act of kindness. The presentation gives us all a sense of community and compassion, showing those in need that they are not forgotten during the Christmas season. The donations were made possible through generous contributions from Knights of Columbus fundraising, local businesses, individual donors, and the dedicated work of volunteers.

This heartwarming presentation shows us the power of community and the true spirit of Christmas in Thorold. Looking at the volunteers greeting the food basket recipients at the hall, it reminds us that Christmas is not just about giving gifts but also about celebrating Jesus Christ in sharing love and support with those who need it the most.

Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest Winners Rewarded

At two presentations on January 9th, the local winners in the local Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest were rewarded by the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 2319, Thorold, ON.  

The first place winners received an official certificate and a $25 cash prize presented by the Knights of Columbus 2319.  Participation certificates were also presented to some students with excellent entries. The Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest entries by the first place winners will be submitted to the regional competition.  

Pictured above is a group of first place winners at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary CES and at right, Carmen DeRose (Teacher and Knights of Columbus member), as well as Paul Carfagnini, Grand Knight in the back row.

Thank you to all the students who participated in the contest.  We are impressed with their creativity and inspired by their understanding of the true, spiritual meaning of Christmas.

The contest was a success with almost 1,000 posters designed by students in Thorold and Merritton.  We viewed some amazing posters created by students, Kingergarten to grade 8 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School as well as St. Theresa Catholic Elementary School.

We are very grateful for the assistance by the schools' staff in helping the Knights coordinate the contest.  Special thanks go to Carmen DeRose, Teacher, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary CES and Dan Trainor, Principal, St. Theresa CES.

We appreciate the support by the parish office staff at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, and especially, Father Janusz and Father Daniel who served as Judges and scored the entries in this contest.

By pulling together on this project we all served our Lord in a spiritual celebration of Christmas.  Vivat Jesus!

WINNERS LIST

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kindergarten

James Thorpe

1

Kindergarten

Shayah Hamilton

2

     

Grade 1 -2

Frederick Johnson Wilson

1

Grade 1 -2

Oliver Thorpe

2

Grade 1 -2

Oriana DiPaola

3

     

Grade 3-4

Tiffany Azanbo

1

Grade 3-4

Roxton Terpin

2

Grade 3-4

Neil Ochieng

3

     

Grade 5-6

Ife Agu

1

Grade 5-6

Taliana Mancilla

2

Grade 5-6

Joseph Fairclough

3

     

Grade 7-8

Karly Bolus

1 - tied

Grade 7-8

Riley Reston

1 - tied

Grade 7-8

Emily Facette

Grade 7-8

Betina Kiflam

3

ST. THERESA CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Grade 2

Elene Mendoza Ray

1

Grade 2

Hannah Treesa

2

Grade 2

Akachukhlu Kosisochurkhlu

3

Coats for Kids Campaign Kick-off

Our local Coats for Kids campaign kick-off yesterday started to heat up Thorold's community spirit with free winter coat distribution for deserving children! Knights of Columbus members delivered the first box of coats to Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School. Shown from left, David (student council president), Albert Ciamarra (Coats for Kids campaign chair), Carmen DeRose ( teacher and campaign liaison), Paul Carfagnini (Grand Knight), and Wes (student council representative).
Knights of Columbus Columbus fundraising has helped obtain three boxes of new coats to distribute for the start-up, but the growing need in our community needs your support. Donations will be collected for this campaign to buy more boxes of new coats to warm up children less fortunate.
Monetary donations for the Coats for Kids will be collected at the Beef on a Bun Night hosted by the Knights at Holy Rosary Hall on November 14, from 4 to 7 pm. Donations will also be collected during the Thorold Santa Claus Parade on November 30th at the Holy Rosary Hall parking lot.

Every dollar, no matter the amount of the donation, all adds up and helps the kids. A donation of $29 will allow for a new coat to be gifted to a local child in need.


Please spread the word and share the warmth!

Students show how to ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’ in Knights of Columbus poster contest

Knights of Columbus 2319 has received an impressive response by local students in grades K-8th who submitted entries in the organization’s international Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest. More than 1,000 posters have been created by students in Thorold and Merritton participating in the local contest.
A sample of some of the entries will be on display for the community to view on Sunday, December 15, from 9 am to 12:30 pm at Holy Rosary Hall on Queen Street, Thorold. The display will showcase some of the top entries by students from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School and those from St Theresa Catholic Elementary School.
A panel of judges will give the qualifying entries a score based on the slogan, visuals, and overall impact of the poster in capturing the message. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus 2319 in Thorold, the contest will award $25 to each of the 10 winners spanning numerous grade levels and schools.
“By engaging the creativity and imaginations of our youth, we hope they will come to a deeper understanding of the true, spiritual meaning of Christmas,” said Council 2319 Grand Knight , Paul Carfagnini.
The contest is being conducted locally with winning entries advancing to the district/region and then to state, national and international levels. The winning entries to be announced on December 20th may serve as the basis for a series of new Christmas posters that encourage a deeper understanding of the holiday.
“The posters will be distributed in the countries where the Knights are active as part of our Keep Christ in Christmas campaign,” said Grand Knight Paul Carfagnini.
“Creative credit will also be given to the winning artists.” said Paul Carfagnini

Christmas Dinner 2024 Serves as Wonderful Celebration

Looking at all the smiling faces and feeling the merriment among the people at the Knights of Columbus 2319 Christmas Dinner, it seemed that everyone enjoyed a wonderful celebration on Saturday, December 7th. The hall at Club Belvedere was filled with joy as the Knights and their guests feasted with fine foods and fun conversations.
Past Grand Knight, Tony Scalzi and his wife Mary were wonderful at the welcome desk and set up an interesting display of Knights memorabilia and photographs for patrons to view.

Knights of Columbus members, left to right, Andrew Natale, Leonard Savoia, Deacon Frank Durbiano, Father Daniel,
and Nick Pizzacalla.

Father Daniel led the gathering with an inspirational prayer before the 4-course meal was served. Later on, Councillor Carmen DeRose stepped forward to present greetings on behalf of the City of Thorold. Councillor DeRose (a brother Knight as well) thanked our members for providing service to the community, supporting local chairities as well as the food bank and sponsoring the Coats for Kids program.

Knights of Columbus members, left to right, Victor LaFratta, Paul Carfagnini, Charlie, Carmen DeRose, Margaret ( Carmen and Bernie's cousin) and Bernie DeRose.

Albert Ciamarra, chair of the Knights annual 50/50 draw spun the drum filled with tickets and Father Daniel pulled the lucky winner. Sam Cino was announced as the winner of the $1,010 cash prize. Congratulations to Sam and thanks to all the ticket buyers.

Knights of Columbus members, seated, left to right, Albert Ciamarra, Joe Cotroneo, back row, Stephen Charlton, 

John Perri, Tony Scalzi.

Stay tuned for more good news on the Knights presentation of the Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest. Entries will be displayed on Sunday, December 15th at Holy Rosary Hall. The Knights monthly Beef on a Bun Dinner will take place on Thursday, December 12th, 4 - 7 pm, Holy Rosary Hall.

Merry Christmas!

Seated from left, Phyllis Sergnese, Vittoria Pennachetti wife of Knights of Columbus Past Grand Knight Michael Pennachetti,
back row, Knights of Columbus members Palo and Michael Sergnese.

 

Knights of Columbus Distributing Winter Coats to Local Children

NOV. 4, 2024. --- As the weather starts to get cold, the Knights of Columbus in Thorold heat up their commitment to the community with free winter coat distributions for deserving children!


Provide the Gift of Warmth Impacted by Our Work


The Coats for Kids charitable program comes together with donations from our community and local fundraising efforts by the Knights of Columbus in Thorold.
Coats for Kids is a vital program of the Knights of Columbus that provides the gift of warmth to children in need. By making a charitable donation to our Coats for Kids program, you can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Knights of Columbus as we provide a warm coat for children less fortunate. Imagine the smiles you will help create by providing a new warm coat!
We can’t do it alone. Make a difference TODAY in the lives of these children. Every dollar, no matter the amount of a donation, it all adds up and helps the Knights achieve their goal. A donation of $29 will allow for a new coat to be gifted to a local child in need. Email kofc2319@gmail.com to donate today.
Coats for Kids donations will be collected at the Beef on a Bun Night hosted by the Knights at Holy Rosary Hall on November 14, from 4 to 7 pm. Donations will also be collected during the Thorold Santa Claus Parade on November 30th at the Holy Rosary Hall parking lot where the Knights will be selling hamburgers, hotdogs, and hot chocolate.

Today, eighteen percent of American children and fourteen percent of Canadian children live in poverty. As a result, many families cannot afford to provide even the basic necessity of a warm winter coat. Putting their faith into action, Knights of Columbus councils have handed out more than one million coats to children throughout the United States and Canada through the Coats for Kids program.


Please Spread the Word and Share the Warmth in Thorold!

Garden Fest 2024 - Fertilizer, Compost, Grass Seed, Plants

Garden Fest Brochure
 

Embrace the local beauty of nature and come together in Thorold for a delightful weekend of green-thumb fun at our Garden Fest. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just discovering your love for plants and lawn care, the Knights of Columbus have what it takes to create a vibrant gathering.

The fourth annual Garden Fest presented by the Knights of Columbus will generate a buzz in Thorold on April 12,13 and 14 in the Holy Rosary Hall parking lot. The 3-day tradition springs up community-wide excitement for those wanting healthy lawns and gardens. The 2024 sale will run on Friday, April 12, 4 pm – 7 pm, Saturday, April 13, 9 am – 4 pm, and Sunday, April 14, 9 am - 1 pm..

This event is open to all members of the community, and there's something for everyone to enjoy. Let's come together to celebrate our love for nature and cultivate a greener, eco-friendly community!

Don't miss out on this blooming opportunity to connect with fellow gardeners, support charities, and foster a stronger sense of community through our shared love of gardening and luscious lawns!

What to Expect:

Great Deals on Lawn and Garden Products

High-quality lawn and garden fertilizers supplied by Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corp. will be on sale.

Garden compost donated by Walker Industries will be sold for $5 per bag.

Premium grass seed will be on sale with various options to choose.

Plant Sale: Stock up on locally grown begonias and kalanchoes from Schenck Farms to kick start your garden this season.

Barbecue – Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm

Indulge in delicious grilled favorites at the community barbecue on Saturday, April 13, 11 am to 2 pm. Enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs or sausages available for purchase at family-friendly prices.

Bottle Collection

To help keep the environment clean and safe, Garden Fest will feature a bottle and used battery collection. K of C volunteers will be in the parking lot to assist donors to drop off donations.

Food Bank Drive

Garden Fest welcomes everyone in our community to grow together and help persons in need of food. Non-perishable food items will be collected to support the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Thorold.

50/50 Draw

50/50 Draw tickets will be on sale for a chance to win a cash prize, and help the Knights help others.

Thanks to Garden Fest Sponsors

Financial support from our event sponsors helps the Knights cover expenses to promote Garden Fest. This allows the profits raised from the community sale to be donated to our charities.

Thanks to sponsors Henderson’s Pharmacy, Rolling Meadows Land Development Co., Big Red Market, Thorold Foodland, Performance Heating and Air, JKJ Heating and Air Conditioning, Club Belvedere for their financial support as well as many other event partners.

Event Proceeds To Charities

This year the proceeds from the fundraising event will go to Wellspring Niagara, Special Olympics and St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. Over the past three years, Garden Fest has donated more than $9,500 to charities.

Knights of Columbus Recaps Successful Harvest Fest 2024

The Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 2319 is pleased to announce the successful celebration of Harvest Fest held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Nick Basciano Centre in Thorold. The third annual event attracted over 200 attendees, while raising $2,100 for charities. It was great to see seniors in addition to young families participating in the activities as their kids enjoyed the free popcorn and helium-filled balloons offered by the Knights.

As a community event, Harvest Fest invited people to come together, taste the foods, and enjoy fun learning activities, while supporting charitable organizations. Profits from the event will allow for a donation of $1,050 to Hospice Niagara and $1,050 will also be given to Thorold Community Activities Group.

I want to thank many folks for our recent success at Harvest Fest 2024 presented by our incredible Knights of Columbus members showing us their stellar volunteer involvement both during the planning stage as well as during the event, the members of our Holy Rosary Parish who volunteered, the TCAG team, the Thorold Fire Department and the many exhibitors and artisans, farmers and charity groups who showcased their special offerings to the community.

 

Together we were able to raise an additional $2,100 for named charities which has brought our donations total to nearly $21,000 over the past four years of Garden Fest and Harvest Fest,” said Tim O'Brien, Event Chair.

The Harvest Fest showcased Niagara's locally grown foods and plants as well as handmade crafts created by local artisans. It took many pieces to come together to produce the sucessful Harvest Fest. A farmers market featured Victors Farm Share as well as Marko Honey Bees. Gorgeous chrysanthemums from Schenck Farms and delicious apples were sold for the fundraiser by the Knights.

In the park, Simon Says Ice Cream had a booth near the Knights grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as exquisite chicken satays, and chicken burgers from Kent Heritage Farms.

In the parking lot, the Thorold Fire Department was on location with their crew showcasing a fire truck, while offering kids safety tips and photo ops. The Greater Niagara Humane Society connected with visitors at an outdoor information booth to raise awareness of animail welfare.

An indoor craft show filled the hall with artisans selling their unique creations for the fall season along with the Thorold Garden Club display and the Hospice Niagara information booth. Vendors included 23 Fish Malas, Carrie’s Cozies, Crafts by Karen, Fenwick Pies Co., Josephine’s Knits, Peacock Lane Crafty Studio, Porch Swing Studio, Rewinded Art, Rvkcrochet, Suzy’s Crazy Towel Hobby, Tesori Nails with Sarah, The Wood Samaritan, Crafty Shavings. A $50 booth fee paid by each of these vendors is part of the donations to our charities.

In the hall foyer, the Knights of Columbus members welcomed visitors and sold tickets for their annual 50/50 draw to take place on December 7, 2024. At the Harvest Fest welcome desk, the Knights also sold tickets for chances to win raffle prizes. Raffle proceeds boosted the fundraiser.

TCAG instructors and community volunteer Marsha Hunt and her team presented free learning activities for the kids who created fall crafts and had lots of fun.

This event not only raised awareness of the goodness we have in Niagara, but also showcased the incredible talent and spirit of our community,” said Tim O'Brien, Event Chair.

Thanks to Harvest Fest sponsors for their financial support; Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, Dixie Regulator and Torch Repair, Henderson's Pharmacy, Brazclean Complete Cleaning Services, Elio's Foot Comfort Centre, Thorold Foodland, Kent Heritage Farms. These sponsors supported the Harvest Fest with financial assistance to help promote the event.

Harvest Fest shows how our community can pull together to celebrate the bounty of this season. Event partners helped the Knights produce a successful event. Thanks to the City of Thorold, Air Liquide, Canal City Realty, Impact Promotions, Comprehensive Health Clinic (Dr Michael Venneri, DC), Toolbox Project Niagara, Niagara River Lions, Lyons Stained Glass Art, and Thorold Community Credit Union.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and supported Harvest Fest, " said Tim O'Brien, Event Chair.

Looking ahead, the Knights of Columbus will continue to serve the community with their popular Beef on a Bun Dinners (second Thursday of every month at Holy Rosary Hall) and coming soon, the new Coats for Kids campaign, Keep Christ in Christmas poster design contest for elementary school students, and treats at the Thorold Santa Claus Parade in November.

Garden Fest Donations to Charities

3rd Annual Community Event Raises Over $3,200

By announcing donations of $3,250 to local charities the Garden Fest 2023 event shows how the bounty keeps on growing in Thorold.
Prior to their monthly meeting on May 10th, Knights of Columbus 2319 members stood proudly in presenting donations to the Garden Fest charity partners. The great news is that the Thorold Community Activities Group (shown at top of page) and Special Olympics will each receive a $1,000 donation from the Garden Fest proceeds this year.

Pictured above, from left, Yasser Elkhayal and John Henderson from Henderson's Pharmacy (Garden Fest sponsor) supporting Special Olympics athletes Andrea ( 5 pin and 10 pin bowling), Connor, (swimming and baseball) and Sydney (swimming) accept the donation presented by K of C 2319 Grand Knight Tony Scalzi, In the photo at the top of the page, Megan Gilchrist, Executive Director, TCAG, accepted the donation from the presentation group.

The successful 2023 fundraiser also made a $700 donation to Wellspring Niagara. Pictured at the presentation on May 19th in the Wellspring Niagara Centre, Tony Scalzi, Grand Knight, K of C 2319, Ann Mantini-Celima, Excecutive Director, Wellspring Niagara, and Kelly Liddycoat, Owner/Funeral Director, Bocchinfuso Funeral Home (Garden Fest sponsor).

A $550 pledge from the event proceeds will go to the Holy Rosary Church Roof Repair Fund.
The third annual Garden Fest presented by the Knights of Columbus also collected non-perishables to fill several barrels to donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Bank in Thorold.
The community event was held on April 14,15 and 16 in the Holy Rosary Hall parking lot. People came to buy high-quality lawn and garden fertilizers and grass seed supplied by Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corp. as well as garden compost donated by Walker Industries. To help keep the environment clean and safe, Garden Fest featured a bottle and used battery collection.
Financial support from event sponsors helped the Knights cover expenses to run Garden Fest. The Knights expressed their gratitude to sponsors Henderson’s Pharmacy, Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, Big Red Market, and Thorold Foodland for their financial support. Event partners such as the City of Thorold and Thorold Community Credit Union helped the event to run smoothly. The City of Thorold, Creekview Floral Co., JC Patissier, Julie’s Tire and Auto, and Angelo Domanico supported the event by donating to the VIP Prize Pack won by Joe Saldarelli who filled in a ballot to win the free draw.


Over the past three years, Knights of Columbus fundraising events including Garden Fest (2021, 2022, 2023) and Harvest Fest (2022) have donated a total of $12,575 to charities:
• $3,700 to Wellspring Niagara
• $2,775 to Special Olympics
• $1,950 to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church
• $1,775 to SVDP
• $1,000 to TCAG
• $800 to Hospice Niagara
• $575 to Niagara Health Foundation



Stay tuned for the bounty to grow and give generously to the community as the Knights plant the seed for their 2nd annual Harvest Fest, September 9-10 in Thorold. Exact details will be coming soon.