Pay cuts and lost jobs mean difficult times for many, but an Okotoks charity is holding its own with help from the community.
Despite facing an increase in demand by more than 100 per cent since 2014, the Okotoks Food Bank Association is keeping up thanks to the help of its volunteers and donors, says Sheila Hughes, the association’s executive director.
“I find Okotoks is such a caring and giving community,” she said. “I’m always amazed, but never surprised, at their generosity.”
The Okotoks Food Bank is one of seven charities supported by Western Wheel Cares this year, and among the many seeing first-hand the struggles of Albertans during these challenging economic times.
“People from all walks of life and income levels have come to ask for food,” said Hughes. “Before the food drive in September I had to buy canned food, which I didn’t have to do before.”
The number of individuals and families requesting assistance from the food bank increased 38 per cent from 2015 and 108 per cent since 2014, said Hughes. The number of new clients increased 29 per cent from last year, she said, and 127 per cent from 2014.
“I don’t think we are completely an emergency food service anymore,” she said. “We are part of what people get on a daily basis.”
That’s where monetary donations come in handy.
While canned foods, boxed pastas and cereals are commonly donated, Hughes said cash allows volunteers to buy meat, bread and produce to ensure recipients are getting balanced meals.
“We try as best we can to offset those high sodium items with diary and eggs,” she said.
Helping to fill hampers over the past year is Carol Nerland. While the mother of active boys never needed to use the service, she can appreciate the need out there.
“Having a healthy meal and full cupboard is something most of us take for granted,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to not be able to feed my kids.”
Nerland spends up to six hours about four days a week putting food away, checking expiry dates, sorting, bagging, stocking shelves, taking inventory and cleaning.
Once in a while she has the opportunity to interact with those in need.
“Sometimes there are tears and some people are tired,” she said. “They go to work every day and they need something that will give them a hand up. You feel like you’re making a difference in people’s lives.”
Camille Morgan hopped on board as a volunteer 20 years ago when it was located in a tiny room in the back of the Anglican Church.
Morgan joined the charity as she saw it as a service the small community needed.
“I knew people were in need,” she said. “There’s been a lot of families that have gone through. It gives you a nice feeling when you see them get back on their feet and don’t need us anymore.”
Morgan remembers one time when the food bank provided a birthday cake for a family that couldn’t afford to buy one.
“The little kid’s eyes lit up and they said, ‘Oh mom, we’re rich,’” she said. “It was so heartwarming and so sad in a way that this little child was so thrilled to get a birthday cake.”
Morgan served on the board of directors for six years and over the years watched as the food bank grew.
“It’s a big organization now and I’m pleased to be a part of it,” she said. “I’ve gotten my grandchildren out volunteering with the food drives.”
Hughes said volunteers and donors make a huge difference in making the food bank a success.
“People have been quite generous,” she said. “We have people who just come through the door with anything.”
In preparation for Christmas, Hughes needs help for the Adopt A Family program that provides Christmas hampers for those in need.
More than 110 families and individuals have applied for food hampers (the deadline is Dec. 3) and Hughes said the community is needed to help out.
Participants can pay a specific amount to provide perishable and non-perishable items to a family or they can purchase the non-perishable food items themselves.
Hughes said the cost ranges from about $100 to $155. Information about the program and food bank can be found at okotoksfoodbank.ca
To make a donation to the Okotoks Food Bank or any Western Wheel Cares charities call 403-938-6397 or drop by 9 McRae Street Monday to Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. We accept credit, debit, cash and cheques (payable to Western Wheel Cares). Donations can also be mailed to Box 150, Okotoks, AB T1S 2A2 (please do not mail cash) or sent via Paypal at www.westernwheel.com
Donations of $10 or more will receive a 2016 official tax receipt at the end of the campaign.
For more information about Western Wheel Cares contact Gayle Wolf at 403-938-6397 or [email protected]
