The Co-op in Rimbey was a busy place last week while the Lions Club worked hard to promote the fundraiser, Stock a Shelf and do their part to help stop hunger.
Stock a shelf is part of Lions Club International’s week of service to help fight hunger.
Rimbey Lions Club worked in conjunction with Evergreen Co-op on the fundraiser. The Co-op provided the location and also a grocery cart full of groceries to spearhead the event.
As part of the fundraiser, Lions members handed out lists of foods to shoppers. Money was also accepted.
In addition to the donation of $500 the Rimbey Lions made to the Rimbey Food Bank, the Lions also collected 1,357 pounds of food and just over $1200 in cash donations through the generosity of the Rimbey Co-op and the community of Rimbey and surrounding area. This will allow the Food Bank to continue their service to the community for many months to come.
Food bank co-ordinator Katherine Winters said the Lions Club working with Rimbey Co-op resulted in a wonderful donation.
“We’re in good shape,” she said. “Rimbey is very giving. I have discovered that in the last seven years I have worked as a food bank co-ordinator. It’s amazing.”
Food bank usage has leveled out, but is double what it was three or four years ago, she said.
Last year the food bank helped 137 families.
The usage drops in the summer and picks up when school starts and during the Christmas season.
Hygene products such as soap, deodorant, toilet paper and paper towels is in short supply at the food bank.