Officials with the Innisfail and Area Food Bank are watching thankfully while the community steps up to the plate to fill the agency's shelves for another Christmas season.
With only a month to go before Christmas, the local food bank is stepping up its efforts to keep pace with a never-ending demand for healthy food.
“While this year has seen fewer requests from clients compared to last year, the demand from the community for food hampers never stops,” said Carol Sim, food bank executive officer. “We have seen quite a few organizations, such as the Lions Club, the Glendale Elks Club, the Kinsmen Club, Equus and Innisfail Pathfinders, give us donations already with many more to come in.”
Maureen Hample, treasurer for the food bank, said the shelves are not well stocked at present but Innisfail Truck Ranch and Co-op have started their Stuff A Truck promotion, which always brings a good response.
“St. Marguerite Bourgeoys have come through with their food drive and École John Wilson will be doing theirs on December 19,” said Hample. “Other schools will add their efforts to feed our needy families and we will be co-hosting the Charity Check Stop on December 13 with the RCMP and the CP Holiday Train on December 10. There are so many opportunities for Innisfailians to lend a helping hand and we are pleased to be able to be part of the solution.”
She noted Innisfail churches are regular donors to the food bank while TELUS and RE/MAX Realty will be part of the holiday train event. The Innisfail Baptist Church youth group will once again help the RCMP with the check stop.
“We have such a generous community and they keep on amazing us,” said Hample. “There are so many other groups who have been part of our efforts, and they all are important parts of a community led solution.”
This year's Charity Check Stop will once again be accepting clothing, food, new and gently used toys, and cash. The charitable organizations this year will be the Innisfail & Area Food Bank, Christmas Bureau, Women's Outreach Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Innisfail.
Those interested in applying to the food bank for assistance must bring documentation for health-care numbers, proof of residence and income, or pensions/AISH on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Individuals interested in donating food or funds can call 403-227-0600 for more information.
Food hampers typically contain enough food for one week per person, with extras thrown in for families with children.
Maureen Hample
"We have such a generous community and they keep on amazing us," said Hample. "There are so many other groups who have been part of our efforts, and they all are important parts of a community led solution."
