INNISFAIL - There was an outpouring of support for the RCMP Charity Check Stop this year.
The annual event raised a total of $8, 882.18 in cash donations.
“We were thrilled with the response,” said Innisfail RCMP Const. Craig Nelson. “The $8,882 is very, very generous. It was a good turnout from all of our emergency services and other volunteers that came out and all of our businesses who helped donate as well.”
The cash donations were split evenly between three agencies, including the Innisfail Christmas Bureau, Innisfail and District Food Bank and Red Deer Women’s Outreach.
In addition to the funds, about 75 toys, 10 bags of gently used clothing, and more than 800 pounds (lbs). of food were also collected during the event on Dec. 8.
“It’s a community spirit booster as well. It reminds people that we all exist for anyone that needs help, ” said Norma Hoppins, donations chair with Innisfail Christmas Bureau.
Food items collected will also go a long way to helping those in need over the Christmas holdiays.
“It’s a very generous donation and we will use it,” said Brenda Hand, co-coordinator of the Innisfail and District Food Bank. “People are hungry, they come to the food bank and we are able to provide for them.”
Ruby Stones, program manager with The Outreach Centre in Red Deer was pleased to see so much support from Innisfail and the surrounding communities.
“We see a lot of needy families at Christmastime and it’s nice to be able to help them provide a wonderful Christmas for their children,” said Stones.
Innisfail RCMP received donations for the annual event from several local businesses, including Nestle Purina, Innisfail CO-OP, 7-11, A&W, Dairy Queen, NAPA, Kal-Tire, Subway, Tim Hortons, McDonald's, Innisfail Bowling Lanes; Complete Catering and the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion branch.
Several volunteers also contributed to the success of this year’s Charity Check Stop.
They included members with the Innisfail Fire Department; Medavie Ambulance, Correctional Services Canada, the Town of Innisfail, local youth groups and Knee-Hill Valley 4-H Club.
