2008 – Now strongly in their third year, the Chestermere Regional Food Bank was getting into a good groove. A steady increase of clients and the extraordinary help of their volunteers, this valuable organization had definitely found its fit in our community, which was now at a population of 12,589.
The Chestermere Regional Food Bank had successfully obtained its charitable status, which if you have ever been a part of going through that process, it is a very long and tedious process. This step now allowed the food bank to issue tax receipts to those that were generously donating to them.
Despite the outpouring of support from the community and supporters, both the Chestermere Regional Food Bank and Southeast Rockyview Food Bank were running extremely low on food and cash. But finding that balance in society is very tricky. When there is a downturn in the economy, there is always an increase in clients coming into the food banks. However, there is also a decrease in donations of cash and food as people are worried about supporting themselves and are forced to be less giving – but not for lack of want.
As a way to further help their clients, The Southeast Rockyview Food Bank began giving fuel cards to clients that couldn’t afford to pick up their hampers. In an effort to keep the shelves full, volunteers of the Chestermere Regional Food Bank were desperately needed to pick up food from various locations and deliver to the Food Bank.
The local schools also started getting involved and making the younger residents of Chestermere realize the needs of others and also the importance of giving back to our community. Rainbow Creek Elementary School held the first fundraising event for the Chestermere Regional Food Bank, donating close to $5OO for gift cards. Prince of Peace also held their first food drive for the food bank that were picked up by happy volunteers from First Student.
Chestermere Lake Middle School held a hugely successful food drive this year, which not only just helped the Chestermere Regional Food Bank but actually kept their shelves full for close to three months! The annual Pumpkin Patch that is hosted by the Chestermere Lions Club raised $250 that was then donated to the Chestermere Regional Food Bank and those generous Lions also donated all turkeys for Christmas hampers that year.
Although many things have changed over the years with the Chestermere Regional Food Bank, some things remain the same. One of the biggest is the need during the holiday season and although needing the help of a food bank is always a humbling and likely difficult situation, during the holiday season it can be very extra troubling. In 2008, everything needed for a delicious Christmas dinner, including a turkey, was wrapped in a roaster and given out. “The assembling of the Christmas hampers and handing them out has become a favorite volunteer opportunity,” says Mardi Oel.
In the last quarter of 2008, nineteen hampers were assembled and $3,125 was spent on gift cards to allow clients to purchase fresh dairy and produce.
