We are nearing the end of our look back at the history of the Chestermere Regional Food Bank. 2014 had Cindy, Vicki, Kim and Mardi continuing in their roles on the Board with Kindy, Crissy, Takisha and Danielle joining the organization. Takisha was elected Secretary, Danielle took on the Special Events Director role and Kathy took on Snack Attack, Parent Link and hamper duty. It was agreed that that the group needed help with a business plan and hired the Lentz Group to get them started. At their first meeting, Kindy presented the food bank with a $3,000 cheque from ATB. “In three hours, we accomplished everything we had been trying to do for the past three years – values, vision and mission statements and a logo!” said Mardi Oel.
The determined group again approached the Town for land, but in a miraculous turn of events, Truman Developments offered them space in the Chestermere Business Park rent free, on the main floor with meeting space, power, water and gave them $10,000! Operating costs would have to be covered by the food bank so they jumped at the offer. Oel explained, “Too good an opportunity to pass on – we could actually store everything in one place and no more hunting around for a place to hold meetings! Terry Germain offered to be the Project Manager and began the process, and what a long process it was!”
Wade Lester from Garden Scents donated all the plants, seeds and his expertise for the food banks garden along with amazing salad pots for clients. Thankfully, Louise, Takisha and Mike worked many hours at the garden along with Cathy and it proved to be a great success. George and Marg continued to provide potatoes and carrots and Buy Low Foods opened in Langdon. With all the fresh vegetables, breads and pastries that were being donated, the Chestermere Rec Centre allowed us to run small markets for their clients along with Southeast Rockyview Food Bank clients in the MPP room.
If you remember, the ‘Becoming a Community Builder’ program began in Chestermere and several Food Bank volunteers participated. The Chamber of Commerce held their first Golf Tournament in support of the Chestermere Regional Food Bank and donated all proceeds to the group. “Our Rich Man/Poor Man fundraiser brought in $6,000 and the Wild Rose Foundation donated $2,500. Melcor held their annual Stampede Breakfast; Boat Rides at the Landing during Waterfest were offered for a donation to us and No Frills opened”, explained Oel as she told of all the generous donations that continue to come into the food bank.
Once again, Christmas hampers were distributed in the MPP room of the Chestermere Regional Food Bank, with excess food available to clients in preparation for the move to the Chestermere Business Park in Rainbow Falls. Starbucks and Buy Low foods provided a table of breads and pastries; St. Gabriel’s Parent Council along with George and Marg provided a table of fresh vegetables, students at Sara Thompson school in Langdon and Trophy Foods provided a table of candy and nuts, Indus Ringette provided personal hygiene items; Mr. Goldie’s class at Chestermere Middle School set up a table of shoeboxes full of gifts and treats. Mandarin oranges and turkeys provided by local residents and roasters full of stuffing, cranberry sauce and all that goes with Christmas dinner provided by local businesses and Eric’s No Frills donated everything they were short on for the Christmas hampers.
“Moving to a new location, looking after the garden ourselves, holding markets, Community Builder, branding, pick up and deliveries from Langdon, volunteer hours were grossly underestimated at over 4,000”, said Oel.
With Chestermeres population now at 17,203, the Chestermere Regional Food Bank delivered 183 hampers plus 33 Christmas hampers in 2014 and $21, 625 was given out in gift card form.
