INNISFAIL – Once again, Johns Manville is making a difference for needy families this Christmas.
Johns Manville recently made annual donations to the Innisfail Christmas Bureau and the Innisfail and District Food Bank.
A total of $9,730 went to the Christmas Bureau and $3,580 in cash went to the food bank, in addition to several boxes of non-perishable food items.
“(For the Christmas Bureau) employees raised $3,865 and Johns Manville matched that donation,” said Heather Cooper, human resources generalist with Johns Manville, adding that proceeds from cleaned and recycled metal were also included.
“It’s twofold. Johns Manville contributes a lot to this community but our employees do as well,” said Crystal Workun, plant manager. “Both in terms of time, money and food bank donations."
Workun noted the significance of giving and sharing with the community. The company will be holding its 4th annual Community Family Christmas Turkey Dinner at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on Dec. 18.
“We’re fortunate to work for a very stable and long-term company and we’re fortunate to work in a community like Innisfail,” she said. “I think it’s not only something that we want to do, but a responsibility for us to give back to people in and around this community.”
“We are very grateful for Johns Manville’s generosity and their continuing support,” said Brenda Hand, coordinator for the food bank. “They are very kind to us.”
She noted the impact the company makes year after year.
“Their employees are on board and everyone is very encouraging for us and for the Christmas Bureau as well,” she added, noting the money and food items collected will go towards families in need between now and January.
“We have clients every week and we distribute food every week and we are very grateful for their support,” said Hand. “It is a busy time for us to receive food and gather things. That is a very good thing because it is very needed and goes to good use.”
Norma Hoppins, donations chair of the Christmas Bureau, was also on hand for the donation.
“They are the backbone of our donation gifts,” said Hoppins. “So many people are generous but this is the ultimate generosity.”
Hoppins said the money donated will go towards items for the Christmas hampers, food gift cards, and other needed items.
“A lot of it goes into our food gift cards and we have people who have to shop for us for areas we’re lacking in, in terms of toy donations,” she said.
“We have some single adults who are not able to meet all their bills and needs at Christmas, but we have families and of course children are such a high priority,” said Hoppins.
In addition to toys and food gift cards, registered participants also receive tuques, mitts, scarves, books, puzzles and games.
The company's Community Family Christmas Dinner at the legion begins at 4:30 p.m. and runs until 7. Tickets are $10 per person or $20 per family. Food bank donations are welcomed and tickets are available at the door.
