Innisfail businesses continue to step up big to help those in need this Christmas.
NWP Industries is one of them ñ raising a total of $2,243 in cash and several bags and boxes of food donations as well.
The local company recently made a large contribution to the Innisfail and District Food Bank. Both cash and food items were collected during their annual Christmas party at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on Dec. 11.
"We decided that we should try to do something to give back to the community,î said Shannon Fischer, project coordinator at NWP. "We chose the food bank because we know their demand has gone up.î
The company and its 110 workers rallied together to help local families who may be struggling this holiday season.
"We decided to do a food drive. A lot of our vendors and some local businesses donated items for a silent auction to raise the money we donated as well,î said Fischer, noting the significance of such a donation not just for the food bank but for the employees as well.
"It's the first time we've done a food drive. In past years, we've donated to the Christmas Bureau. The generosity of the employees at the event was heartwarming,î she added. "They brought out a lot, they contributed and their generosity shone through.î
Dave Hample, a food bank volunteer, was on hand at the Innisfail plant to collect the cash and food donations.
"It's fantastic,î said Hample. "Truly, that's what community is all about, where everybody steps in and helps out.
"Innisfail is a very giving community,î he added.
Based on the success of their first food drive, Fischer said it might not be their last.
"The employees really enjoyed it and they were more than happy to support the food bank,î said Fischer. "With just two days notice, they did a great job.î
Shannon Fischer
"It's the first time we've done a food drive. The generosity of the employees at the event was heartwarming."
