The Gwendale Elks are once again giving to those in need at Christmastime, a need in the community that continues to climb due to the current recession.
“This year we're up (in demand) about 10 per cent from last year,” said Norma Hoppins, donations coordinator of the Innisfail and District Christmas Bureau. “However, with the downturn in the oil industry we expect it may be up more than 10 per cent this year. We're preparing for quite a number, as is the food bank I believe.”
Hoppins' observation follows the recent release of Food Banks Canada's Hunger Count 2015 report that showed almost 68,000 Albertans, a record number, used provincial food banks in 2015, an increase of more than 23 per cent over 2014, and a whopping jump of almost 83 per cent since 2008. The report also showed that more than 41 per cent of the clients at Alberta food banks were children.
Locally, officials with the Innisfail and District Food Bank have seen a marked increase for the agency's service last month.
Meanwhile, the money raised by the Gwendale Elks from their annual auction sales held at the end of January will go to the local Christmas Bureau and food bank.
“We get donations from local businesses as well as the surrounding areas and we give it back to the community,” said Dan Urban of the Gwendale Elks.
The food bank received $500 and the Christmas Bureau received $1,000.
Carole Sim, coordinator of the local food bank, was grateful for the donation.
“It's an annual donation from the Elks, which we're very appreciative of at this time of year,” said Sim.
Hoppins said this year's donation will go a long way this Christmas.
The Christmas Bureau provides a food voucher for needy families at Christmas in addition to giving a small gift to adults and toys for children.
Hoppins noted the important role service clubs like the Gwendale Elks play in communities, particularly at Christmastime.
“Having solid people like the Elks, we know we can count on them and we need that,” said Hoppins. “We don't know what the rest (of donations) will be in advance. This annual donation is so valuable.”
