We’re half way done our countdown exploring the start and growth of the Chestermere Regional Food Bank. As they are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, it was a great time to reflect on how they came to be, some things they’ve gone through and where they’re going.
As excited as the food bank is to be approaching their ten year anniversary, Mardi Oel shared an interesting point of view with regards to anniversaries. “Food Banks all struggle with ‘anniversaries’………we all want to be out of business. It was pointed out the other day at a regional meeting that we’re not celebrating our existence; we’re celebrating citizens and businesses taking care of their neighbors by donating and volunteering. The reason for food banks now is that we don’t know our neighbors unless they’re right next door; don’t know whose struggling and don’t know who needs help”.
2010 saw some big changes for the Chestermere Regional Food Bank. Dean Mathison stepped down as President and Steve King was appointed in his place which now gave the group the opportunity to meet whenever they wanted at Little Acorns Preschool – which is owned and operated by Marilyn and Steve King.
It was also at this time that the Chestermere Regional Food Bank decided to ramp up their digital presence. It was determined that in order to increase awareness and donations, they needed branding, a website, more food drives, more volunteers and more fundraising. A tall order but with the determined and dedicated team at the food bank, they knew it could be done.
The group submitted an application to the United Way and an amount of was approved with gave the Chestermere Regional Food Bank $5,000.00 for the purchase of gift cards. At that point it was costing $500 to $800 per month in order to provide families with gift cards for fresh produce and dairy. “We expect to receive over $13,000 from the Community Spirit Grant. Happy, happy days!!” added Oel.
More organizational changes occurred as Jennifer Berry resigned as Treasurer and Steve King agreed to fill the position along with the Presidency until we could find someone else. Cindy Verbonac stepped down as Vice President to focus on school drives and the needs of the local School Child Development Advisors.
The support from local businesses continued as Curves decided to make their food drive an annual event, and once again did not disappoint and local realtor, Karen Gonzales, donated all the turkeys for our Christmas hampers. It’s so amazing to see that even with all the changes Chestermere has seen over the years, we’ve kept our giving and caring spirit with our big hearted residents.
2010 saw the population of Chestermere rise to 14,285 and the Chestermere Regional Food Bank delivered 83 hampers as well as 22 Christmas hampers and over $8,000 in gift cards were given out.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for May 28th for the Chestermere Regional Food Bank Anniversary celebration from 10am – 3pm at the parking lot of Eric’s No Frills.
