INNISFAIL - The people of Innisfail gave generously during the 21st annual Charity Checkstop in Innisfail.
The event, held Dec. 17 along Innisfail's Main Street, collected toys, food, clothing and cash donations for several local and area charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prairies to Peaks, the Innisfail Christmas Bureau, the Innisfail and District Food Bank and the Women's Outreach Society in Red Deer.
“It's been really good. It's nice to see everyone being so generous especially at this time of year,” said Innisfail RCMP Const. Simon Watson.
Joining him were several local groups and agencies who volunteered their time to collect needed items. Volunteers with the Innisfail Fire Department, Guardian paramedics, Town of Innisfail peace officers, the Innisfail Christmas Bureau, the Restorative Justice Society, Knee Hill Valley 4-H Club and the Innisfail and District Food Bank were out braving the cold for several hours on Saturday, Dec. 17.
“We have food, gifts, new and used clothing and cash (collections),” said Watson. “These are things people can use.
“It's the season of giving,” he added.
Watson noted the dedication from volunteers and the community support for the annual fundraiser in Innisfail.
“It's really nice to see everyone willing to come out, endure the cold to help those less fortunate,” said Watson. “People hear about it and they drop by. We've had a lot of people stop, see us and then go to the bank just to come back and donate.”
Santa Claus and Safety Bear also helped out with the day, handing out candy canes and dog and cat treats for furry friends at home.
One of the volunteers helping out for the day was 16-year-old Tanner Hendrickson from Spruce View, a volunteer with the Restorative Justice Society.
“I like helping the community. It makes me happy to see all these people are so generous,” said Hendrickson.
Gord Russell, from the local food bank, said more than 700 pounds of food was raised during the annual fundraiser.
“So far we've got 712 pounds of food and it looks like there's another couple of hundred pounds inside the van,” he said. “We might end up with over 1,000 pounds of food this year.”
Innisfail's Pat Mcaleese was one of many who donated Saturday, an event the local gives to every year.
“It's awesome. It's for a good cause,” said Mcaleese.
Innisfail RCMP Const. Simon Watson
"It's the season of giving. It's really nice to see everyone willing to come out, endure the cold to help those less fortunate."
