The Wheatland County Food Bank ( WCFB) and The Strathmore & Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society (CHS) are teaming up this year to support both organizations with their first annual golf tournament and are in need of support.
This new charity initiative seeks to raise money for both groups as they have seen an increase in numbers throughout 2021 and into 2022.
With CHS delivering over 340 toy hampers and 270 food hampers last Christmas which Marilyn Galvin, the Chair of the Christmas Hamper Society explained was 100 more each than they had delivered in 2020, and the foodbank seeing a rise in need it made sense to team up as they are helping a lot of the same families she noted.
Galvin explains how the increasing need for food security programs led to the creation of this fundraising event.
“Our numbers had grown tremendously from last year. From what we have in our budget we knew without doing some fundraising, we wouldn't be able to meet the number of hampers. We do get a lot from the food bank to help us but their numbers are also growing"
The need for donations for both groups continues to grow after year. Lynette Aschenbrenner the Executive director of the Wheatland County Food Bank explains what they are dealing with week to week.
"We just figured it out we are 45% over last year in our numbers. We're probably seeing with hampers and our bread and extra program 80 to 100 households a week. So there's definitely a need in this community there are people struggling. So to get together and raise some money, will make a big difference."
There are other programs that can assist members of the community run by the team at the WCFB noted Aschenbrenner,
“The bread and extra program are one of the food reclamation projects we do. So we get dairy and milk and bread and pastry items from the grocery stores. Nobody has to apply for that. You can just come Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and ease your grocery bill.”
The organizers are still looking for both sponsors and 4 person teams to take part in the event, as well as silent auction items, Those wanting to sponsor or donate can email christmashampersociety@gmail.com
In addition to golf, there will also be other ways for participants to get involved including partaking in the a silent auction and a 50/50 draw. Teams that wish to sign up should visit wheatlandfoodbank.ca
Sat, Apr 27, 2:00 PM
