21-year-old William Shepherd, from Chatham is turning a newfound hobby into a fundraiser.
The University of Waterloo student wants to help make a difference in the community when he returns home for the holidays next month.
Shepherd says he discovered bread making earlier this year.
“When COVID-19 began to spread in Canada back in early March, I knew that it would be quite a while before things got back to normal,” Shepherd said in a media release.
“Spending a lot more time at home allowed me to get creative in the kitchen. I’ve always loved cooking and worked at a restaurant on my campus for a few months, but I had never tried baking bread before. Early this summer, I started experimenting making bread in my mom’s kitchen and I instantly fell in love with it. After the first few sketchy attempts, I realized it was something that I was good at, and really enjoyed doing.”
The political science, history, and international studies student says after living and growing up in Chatham-Kent, he has always known that this is a great community that supports each other.
That’s why he has decided to give back to the community through a now sold out bread sale.
“The community of Chatham helped shape me into the person I am today,” Shepherd said.
“In trying times like these, it is important that we look out for each other. So, I decided I would give a shot at running a small-scale bread operation in which I would give 20% of my proceeds to a local charity. I reached out to United Way of Chatham-Kent, which has and continues to do excellent work in our community.”
Shepherd added: “When I reached out to Patty Peters, she told me about what they did in the community. They work with a number of charities and projects in Chatham and do some really great things. Patty also told me that the donation I make at the end of this sale will be distributed to the projects I want them to go towards.”
Shepherd says he has chosen for proceeds to support hunger and mental health-related projects and programs in Chatham-Kent, United Way of Chatham-Kent officials say.
While he has sold out of pre-orders for bread, anyone who wants to contribute to his fundraiser can make a cash donation.
“I want to help out and give back to the community that I have called home for the last 21 years of my life,” he said.
“I have a passion for baking, and if I can make people smile and make a difference, even a small one, in Chatham-Kent, I would be extremely happy. Thank you to all of those who have supported me thus far, and thank you to United Way for helping me with this fundraiser. This wouldn’t be possible without everyone. Stay safe, CK.”
For more information about William’s fundraiser, visit his Facebook page and Instagram @bakingwithwill.
