Innisfail may have to rebrand itself from the Isle of Destiny to the Isle of Giving.
Both the Innisfail and Area Food Bank and Christmas bureau were amazed by the generosity of Innisfail and area citizens.
ìWe have had an incredible December,î said Maureen Hample, food bank treasurer. ìWe had contributions from the Innisfail RCMP Charity Check Stop, the Federated Co-op and Innisfail Truck Ranch Stuff a Truck, donations from Johns Manville, and the Innisfail Christmas Classic as well as countless of other donations.î
When the final snowflake fell Dec. 31, more than 12,000 pounds of food had been donated and sizeable cash donations totalling between $10,000 and $15,000 had been received. Roughly 65 families registered for the food bank's services during the month.
Volunteers at the Innisfail and District Christmas Bureau were equally amazed with Innisfail citizens.
ìThe month of December has been incredible, î said Jane Duncalfe, Christmas bureau volunteer. ìThe bulk of our donations came in over the last week and a half before Christmas.î
She noted more than 180 families, or almost 400 individuals had registered for the Christmas bureau from Innisfail and the area. Hampers and gifts were picked up by families before Christmas.
ìWe received a large amount of gifts from private individuals, in addition to the RCMP Charity Check Stop and Johns Manville donations. The Red Deer Christmas Bureau also added to our stock,î added Duncalfe. ìAny leftover items will be stored until next November when we start over.î
While the official Christmas season is over donations can still be made throughout the year. The Innisfail and Area Food Bank will continue to accept donations and families looking for help during the year.
ìWe look forward to serving Innisfail and area in 2014,î said Hample. ìOur job never ends.î
