The Inn of the Good Shepherd
The Inn of the Good Shepherd is a Sarnia-Lambton nonprofit providing food bank services, shelter supports, and community programs to people facing food insecurity and housing instability. The organization distributes more than 75,000 pounds of food monthly to roughly 800 households, supports about 2,475 local residents including 940 children, and relies on volunteers, donations, and local fundraisers to sustain services while preserving dignity for those they serve.
🕰️ Organization Hours:
Last updated on Jan 29th, 2026
Recent Activity
Empty Bowls ticket reminder
Only 35 tickets remain for the 7:00 PM seating at Empty Bowls, hosted by The Inn of the Good Shepherd, so act quickly if you want a spot. The event pairs local soups and handcrafted bowls with fundraising for vital community programs, though no ticket price or booking link was provided in the announcement.
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Easter weekend service update
The Inn of the Good Shepherd announced that offices and food bank administrative locations will be closed for Easter weekend, but meals will still be available for those who need them. The brief notice does not include contact details or pickup instructions; it affirms continued meal support and sends a holiday greeting.
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Community support programs
The Inn of the Good Shepherd details a system of care across Sarnia-Lambton, from a food bank and daily hot meals to rent and utility assistance, children's programs, Mobile Market access, and free tax clinics. The post asks the community to share the message or reach out to learn how to help, emphasizing ongoing, year round impact rather than a single event.
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Food bank donation drop-off locations and needs
The Inn of the Good Shepherd is asking for grocery donations to support a program that distributes more than 75,000 pounds of food each month to 800 households, helping 2,475 people including 940 children. Drop off sale items at The Inn (115 John St.), The Lodge (950 Confederation St.), participating fire halls during seasonal drives, or at most Sarnia-Lambton grocery stores.
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Monthly food distribution update
The Inn of the Good Shepherd says its monthly food distributions now total over 75,000 pounds, reaching individuals and families across Sarnia-Lambton. The update highlights growing community need, thanks donors and volunteers, and directs readers to the organization website or team to learn how to help.
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CANstruction 2026 results
The Inn of the Good Shepherd announced CANstruction 2026 winners on March 29, 2026, reporting that the build brought in over 32,000 pounds of food for local families in Sarnia. The post thanks teams, sponsors, and community voters, highlighting measurable community impact and shared celebration.
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Empty Bowls ticket availability update
Ticket update from The Inn of the Good Shepherd: the 5:00 PM seating for Empty Bowls is sold out and "There are ONLY ~50 tickets left for 7PM." There will be no waitlist, no extras, and no door tickets, so visit the event page now to buy while seats last.
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Thrift sale fundraiser
Choice Thrift is donating 50 percent of all sales on 2026-03-28 to The Inn of the Good Shepherd. Visit 141 Christina Street between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to shop thrifted goods and support the shelter; every purchase during those hours contributes to the fundraiser.
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Food bank donation wish list
The Inn of the Good Shepherd asks shoppers to pick up sale items such as pasta sauce, dish soap, and jam to support local families. Drop donations at The Inn at 115 John St., The Lodge at 950 Confederation St., participating fire hall drives, or most Sarnia Lambton grocery stores; the program distributes 75,000 plus pounds of food monthly to roughly 2,475 people including 940 children.
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CANstruction 2026 Sponsorship Acknowledgement
The Inn of the Good Shepherd thanks Progressive Auto Sales as event sponsor, Lambton Mall as host sponsor, Suncor for youth team sponsorship, and additional supporters including Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Kevin Lush Wealth Management, and CIMS Limited Partnership. The acknowledgement highlights how corporate partners provided space, marketing, and program support for CANstruction 2026 to help the community work toward ending hunger.
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Empty Bowls fundraiser
Bid on one of a kind handmade bowls at the Empty Bowls fundraiser on April 9, 2026, supporting The Inn of the Good Shepherd. The event features Celebrity Bowls with Sarah and Hilary from FOX Mornings and other local media personalities, with proceeds benefitting shelter services.
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CANstruction Sarnia-Lambton Donation Campaign
CANstruction Sarnia-Lambton runs March 14 to March 22 at Lambton Mall, inviting families to spot the hidden mascot tINNy, fill out ballots at the Toys R Us kiosk, and win one of three kids gift baskets. While enjoying large sculptures made from donated food, visitors can vote for favorite builds and donate using red collection cans or the QR codes at each structure to support The Inn of the Good Shepherd.
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2026 CANstruction
The Inn of the Good Shepherds 2026 CANstruction features ten local teams building imaginative sculptures from hundreds of canned and non perishable foods to benefit the food bank. Vote for the People’s Choice Award by donating through the charitys website or by dropping cash in voting bins at each structure; every vote supports people across Sarnia Lambton.
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CANstruction 2026 People’s Choice Fundraiser
The Inn of the Good Shepherd is running the CANstruction 2026 People's Choice Fundraiser in Sarnia Lambton and asking the community to vote for the best canned food build. Cast your vote by donating on the campaign website or by dropping cash into voting bins at each structure, because every dollar equals a vote and helps provide food locally.
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Empty Bowls
Empty Bowls returns to the Lambton College Event Centre on April 9 with seating at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, tickets are listed as $40. Enjoy soups from local restaurants with live music by The Well Tempered Five while supporting The Inn and the Lambton College Lion's Heart Food Bank, and take home a handmade pottery bowl.
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CANstruction Sarnia-Lambton
CANstruction Sarnia-Lambton at Lambton Mall turns canned and non-perishable food into community artwork to benefit The Inn of the Good Shepherd, with builds on Saturday, March 7 and an awards ceremony on Sunday, March 8. Scan the QR codes at the displays to cast Peoples Choice votes starting Monday, and know that every can used in the sculptures will be donated to help local families.
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Donation update
The Inn of the Good Shepherd thanks Progressive Auto for rejoining as Lead Sponsor and for an incredibly generous $100,000 donation this past December. That gift helped the Inn sustain food and essential services for individuals and families across Sarnia-Lambton as they entered the difficult winter months, and is highlighted again ahead of CANstruction this weekend.
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Community Support Through Donations
Support The Inn of the Good Shepherd's community initiatives by donating to help families access essential services and food.
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Soup Kitchen Volunteer Opportunities
Support the Soup Kitchen Volunteer Opportunities at The Inn of the Good Shepherd, where your time and care can help provide warm meals to those in need.
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Food Bank Support Initiatives
Support the Food Bank initiatives by donating items, volunteering, or contributing financially to help families and individuals facing food insecurity.
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Food Insecurity Support
Food insecurity is a pressing issue affecting many families, and The Inn of the Good Shepherd is working to provide essential support through their Food Bank services.
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Support for Food Insecurity
Support the Food Bank at The Inn of the Good Shepherd, which provides essential groceries to those facing food insecurity in the Sarnia–Lambton community.
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Final Cash Calendar Winner Announcement
Ian Treulieb is the winner of the Final Cash Calendar, receiving $1,100, thanks to the support of the community in this successful fundraiser.
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Cash Calendar Winner Announcement
Pamela Moore is the winner of the Cash Calendar fundraiser, receiving $200, thanks to the support of the community.
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Cash Calendar Draw Winner Announcement
Mark Hornblower is the winner of the $300 Cash Calendar Draw, with heartfelt thanks to all participants for their support.
