In May 2013 I read an article entitled “Rich Man / Poor Man Dinner and Dance – Chestermere Regional Food Bank”. Underneath it read – Submitted by: Mardi Oel: “YES !! Chestermere has (and needs) a food bank …. ” And, it indicated that for more information e-mail us at crfb@shaw.ca. I was very surprised to learn the Town of Chestermere had a Food Bank, which had been in operation for almost seven years. At that time I had been a resident of Chestermere for almost 24 years and had never heard of the Chestermere Regional Food Bank.
Also in May 2013 I had been retired for several years after over 36 years of work in public service and was thinking about part time work or volunteer activities in the Town of Chestermere. How perfect was the Chestermere Regional Food Bank so I sent an e-mail asking what volunteer opportunities may be available?
I became a volunteer with CRFB in October 2013 and have picked up groceries, helped with Christmas Hampers and had the opportunity to interact with a variety of volunteers all with the same passion to provide a quality service to those in need in Chestermere and surrounding area. Most recently I have had the opportunity to be part of the Fund Development / Fund Raising Committee. How fortunate I have been to use some of my “old” work skills and learn new things about fund raising thanks to Bea and Kim.
As a volunteer I can “work” as many hours I want, be involved with activities I am interested in and have fun with individuals who like me are interested in the CRFB and want to give back to the community.
CRFB continues to provide a needed and growing service; over 600 individuals and families received hampers and gift cards in 2013 and the need continues. As a growing charity organization, CRFB will be moving into a new and much larger location hopefully by the end of 2014. I look forward to continuing my volunteering with CRFB during the next year and helping to make it the Charity of Choice in Chestermere and the area we serve.
Right now I feel as if I have come full circle as I am now involved with the 2nd Annual Rich Man / Poor Man Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction and Stuff a Bus and Boat Event – June 13 and 14, 2014. What a difference a year can make!
By the way, tickets are still available for the Rich Man / Poor Man Dinner at M & M Meat Shops, The General Store and Mo’s Liquor Store.
If you would like to volunteer with the Chestermere Regional Food Bank visit the website at www.chestermerefoodbank.ca or find us on Facebook.
