With Christmas approaching, the Innisfail and Area Food Bank and Christmas Bureau are humbled by their giving and caring community.
“We have had an incredible December,” said Maureen Hample, food bank treasurer. “The Innisfail RCMP Charity Check Stop provided slightly over 800 pounds of food, and sizeable cash donation as well for our clients.”
In December, ‘Stuff A Truck', the Co-op and Innisfail Truck Ranch ran an equally impressive donation campaign. Shoppers were able to buy an extra bag of food for $5 or $10. The purchased food made its way to the food bank.
To date, ‘Stuff A Truck' has yielded 2,400 pounds of food, and more is expected.
“The deadline for ‘Stuff A Truck' was Friday, on Dec.20, and if all goes as we expect we should have as much as 400 pounds more. Innisfail is amazingly generous,” said Hample.
Volunteers at the Innisfail and District Christmas Bureau were equally amazed with Innisfail citizens.
“The last week and a half have been incredible,” said Jane Duncalfe, Innisfail Christmas Bureau volunteer. “The bulk of our donations have come in since then.”
She noted more than 180 families have registered for the Christmas Bureau from Innisfail and area.
“In addition to the RCMP Charity Check Stop that added to our coffers, we received a large donation from the Red Deer Christmas Bureau as well,” added Duncalfe. “With our donation period ending soon, we really don't know how much we will receive.”
Johns Manville surprised both the Christmas Bureau and food bank with a major donation on Dec 19. Through the efforts of its employees, a scrap metal recycling program, and a matching donation effort by management, $11,156.25 was raised.
“Johns Manville is pleased to donate, on behalf of staff and management,” said manager Jim Wilson, “$8,000 to the Christmas Bureau, and $2,156.29 to the food bank, along with a truck full of food, and tuques and mittens.”
