The Sylvan Lake Food Bank’s shelves are beginning to look a little sparse, so the Sylvan Lake Lion’s Club are working to restock them.
As Chairman of the Lion’s Restock the Shelves committee, Ted Fitzgerald is looking for the public’s help to make sure the food bank is in a good place going into the summer months.
On May 4 and 5 members of the committee and the Lion’s Club will be stationed at Sylvan Lake’s three grocery stores, Sobeys, No Frills and Wal-Mart, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We are going to have shelves set up at each location so we will literally be restocking the shelves,” said Fitzgerald.
The Lion’s Club has held this fundraiser in years past, and usually around the beginning of May. Fitzgerald says the event is held around this time because now is a time of need for the food bank.
The food bank is needed now just as badly as it is during the Christmas season, according to Fitzgerald.
“At Christmastime [the need] is more visible, and because of that people are really good about giving,” said Fitzgerald.
“This time of year, it’s almost forgotten. People have other things to worry about going into the summer that the food bank is put on a back burner.”
Fitzgerald has taken a look around the food bank and spoken to a number of the volunteers there. They all say the same thing: the shelves are practically bare.
Despite the great need, Fitzgerald is confident the fundraiser will help to make a difference for the food bank.
“Time and time again this community comes through and finds it in themselves to give,” said Fitzgerald.
Even though the Lion’s Club did not hold this fundraiser last year, each time they have held it has been very successful, according to Fitzgerald.
In the past the Restock the Shelves event was held in from of Sobeys for one day only. Adding two extra stores and an extra day give the fundraiser a whole host of possibilities.
Because of the additions, Fitzgerald said he couldn’t make a goal for the fundraiser this year, as he had nothing to base it on.
“I was very surprised with how well we did the last time. I’m certain we will do well this time,” said Fitzgerald.
The Restock the Shelves fundraiser will be held at Sylvan Lake’s three grocery stores on May 4 and 5. Donations of non-perishables and cash will be accepted by Lion’s Club members.