Innisfailians gave so generously over this past holiday season they helped set an all-time record for donations to the Innisfail and District Food Bank.
Carole Sim, the coordinator of the food bank, said her agency received 12,625 pounds of donated food items during the agency's Christmas season drive that began Nov. 18 and ran until the end of last December.
Sim said that figure was a record for the agency, and more than 2,200 pounds above what was received in 2014.
“That is pretty significant,” said Sim of the final food donation total. “It really speaks well of our community.”
She said the record donations are a result of Innisfailians always “recognizing the need” in the community. “They know. It is right in front of them every day, as far as the news is concerned. I know some food banks across the province did not do as well,” said Sim. “I know Red Deer was lamenting, and I know Edmonton was down but their usage went up so dramatically. It is pretty difficult to stay ahead when your usage goes up like that.”
As for cash donations, Sim said they are still being tabulated, and a final total will not be ready until the agency's next bimonthly general meeting on Jan. 16.
“I know they are up, but I don't know how much they are up,” she said. Sim noted the community's generosity was needed as demand for service during the holiday season was up 10 per cent over last year. “It was not like some places which were up 50 to 60 per cent,” said Sim.
“Part of November was because of seasonal workers coming back, which would add to our December count as well. I have had a few new people moving to the area, which is always an issue when paying rents and deposits and things like that. So whether it will level out or continue to climb, I am not sure. It is hard to know.”
Sim said her agency will now prepare for spring, noting donations after Christmas drop off. She added that by the end of March the shelves for food stock are depleted, and plans for regular food drives are well underway.
“I start to harangue people one more time,” said Sim with a chuckle.
Meanwhile, holiday statistics on donations to the Innisfail Christmas Bureau were not immediately available.
However, Jane Duncalfe, the chair of the local agency, said final totals for all item and cash donations will be officially submitted to the board at the 2015 wrap-up meeting on Jan. 11.
“I can say they (donations) were wonderful, considering what is happening with the economy,” said Duncalfe last week. “There was a huge need in the community. We served a lot of families who were in dire straights. It was great to see the community and businesses step up for the Christmas Bureau to help families who could not help themselves.”
Jim Herman, who handles data management for the local Christmas Bureau, said 501 citizens were registered for service, the same as in 2014.
However, Herman added the 2015 total includes 286 adults and 215 children, compared to 294 adults and 207 children in 2014.
Carole Sim
"That is pretty significant. I know Red Deer was lamenting, and I know Edmonton was down but their usage went up so dramatically.
