The power of community reached amazing heights at Sylvan Lake's Sobeys grocery store this winter.
The local retailer collected a remarkable $19,766.47 for the Sylvan Lake Community Food Bank in its annual holiday season campaign – blowing past the previous year's $7,300 tally, says store owner Joe Tait, giving full credit to generous local shoppers and his team.
"It's 100 per cent local – all the proceeds of this fundraising campaign stay right here in Sylvan Lake," Tait says. "By supporting the Sylvan Lake Community Food Bank, we're supporting families right here in our community."
Beyond the annual campaign, the store also offers pre-made grocery hampers that shoppers can purchase for the local food bank – taken together the fundraisers and ongoing contributions bring the two-year total to close to $30,000.
The benefit to the cash donations from the holiday campaign is that the food bank can access the funds when they're needed throughout the year and target needed items in short supply at any given time, Tait notes.
"The need is pressing year-round, so we are so grateful to our customers and our team members for really doing what they can to help their neighbours."
How you can help
For families facing food insecurity, hunger doesn't only happen at the holidays. To help the Sylvan Lake Community Food Bank meet the need for assistance year-round, donations are always welcome.
In addition to cash donations, among the food items most appreciated are:
- Staples: including peanut butter, pancake mix, rice, cereal, mac and cheese, rice side dishes, coffee, tea and large juices
- Canned goods: including soups, stews, vegetables, tomatoes, fruit, brown beans,tuna, salmon, flakes of ham / chicken, pasta sauce and canned pasta
- Snacks: including juice boxes, fruit cups, puddings, granola bars, fruit chews, cookies, microwave popcorn, applesauce, jams / jellies, pancake syrup, oatmeal, crackers and pasta or potato side dishes
Learn more at sylvanlakefoodbank.ca, by calling 403-887-4534 or emailing Foodbanksylvan@gmail.com
Sylvan Lake Sobeys store welcomes shoppers from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 900, 3715 - 47 Ave. in Sylvan Lake. View the latest flyer here.