As organizations have been trying to navigate the current global situation they are facing, small communities have been coming together to help across Alberta and Canada.

A local running enthusiast from Wheatland County Heather Busch was set to come back from a 2019 injury to run in multiple events in 2020, unfortunately, most have been canceled thus far but that will not be stopping her, "I was supposed to do the Calgary marathon on Sunday so 42.2 km it was canceled due to COVID-19 so you could either defer to next year or do a virtual run. So I decided to do it virtually and run out where I live."

People who would like to support her run on Sunday, May 31, and donate to the food bank can do so on her Facebook Page Here

When Busch made the decision to still do the marathon she wanted to try to give something back to the community at the same time. She is hoping to raise money for the Wheatland County Foodbank.

"It hits home to me. I've used the food bank before, I've been in situations where I have needed to use it in the city, so where ever you live I feel like it is a very worthwhile cause because it could be you the next day. You might be fine today, but there might be one day where you can use it, so basically pay it forward."

Lynette Aschenbrenner, Executive Director of the Wheatland County Food Bank has been grateful for the support from the community during this difficult time, "It's been good, the community is amazing the food and the fundraising that has been going on it has been unreal, I can't even describe what's going on."

Aschenbrenner did note that they are seeing their numbers go up now, she feels that the need will increase if the government's help starts to come to an end, but they are ready for that increase.

Currently, they have enough volunteers to run and if the food bank need does increase, Aschenbrenner notes that the offers to help and volunteer have been coming in, frequently. The team will be able to manage as more residents need help.

Busch ran her first marathon two years ago when turned 50, and this year has run in two virtual events with three more planned for the summer and a 70.3 km Ironman competition on the horizon. Her hope for this weekend is to raise $3,000 to give back and help those in her community.