As the holiday season is quickly approaching, those in need come to the front of everyone’s minds. Although the need is year round, the holiday season can be especially difficult for those that are struggling to keep food on the table.
The community of Chestermere always rallies around their own and this past week reflected that as the Chestermere Regional Food Bank received two donation cheques.
The first came from Maskwa Environmental Consulting Ltd, a locally owned and operated consulting firm, who donated a total of $1000.00 to local food banks in the Airdrie, Calgary, Chestermere, and Cochrane areas. The company will be donating $250.00 each to the Airdrie, Calgary, Chestermere, and Cochrane food banks.
“Our employees live in these communities; with the state of the economy and job losses we recognized a need to give back in a meaningful way” says Andy Edeburn, a Partner at Maskwa. “Our company is small and we too have been impacted by the economic downturn, but we felt the need is greater than ever. We hope that this donation helps a few families get through this difficult time.” Edeburn also added that the company hopes to make this donation an annual event.
The second cheque was presented to the Chestermere Regional Food Bank from the Chestermere Chamber of Commerce on Friday November 27th. These funds were raised from the 2nd Annual Chestermere Chamber of Commerce golf tournament that took place in September. The major sponsor of the golf tournament was Century Floor Fashions, which the Chamber sends a huge thank you too as the tournament raised $1500 for the food bank.
The Chestermere Regional Food Bank is always grateful for donations of any type. Whether it be monetary or food donations – any little bit helps and especially during the holidays. Here are a few ways that you can help this holiday season:
Until December 17th, the food bank will be accepting perishable items for their Christmas hampers! You can drop off donations directly at the food bank located at #105, 100 Rainbow Road (look for the small ‘Feed The Need’ sticker on the door), Monday, Tuesday & Thursday:10-2, Wednesday: 2-5 and Friday: 10-12.
Items that are currently needed are:
Boxes of holiday cookies, boxes of instant stuffing, turkeys, gravy, cranberry sauce, pickles, olives, jello, boxes of chocolates, pie crusts, pie fillings, candy canes, jam, pancake mix and cleaning supplies.
The food bank are also looking for volunteers for their upcoming Casino on December 19th and 20th at Century Casino. If you are able to volunteer, please visit www.volunteersignup.org/XEQFK
The food bank has also recently had large food donations from the students of Rainbow Creek Elementary, East Lake School, Chestermere Lake Middle School and the Korroll Family Haunted House who all collected food items.
Alberta Food Banks have seen a significant increase in use since 2014 and last year our community helped feed 124 people Christmas dinner. Together we can ensure that no one has to go without food this holiday season.
