The hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers at the Wheatland County Food Bank was celebrated today as part of the organization's official grand opening.

In attendance were Mayor Pat Fule, Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Leela Sharon Aheer, and Wheatland County Food Bank president Lynette Aschenbrenner, along with other long-time volunteers and dignitaries from the town and county.

Volunteer Keith Temple spoke about why he continues to invest his time helping out at the food bank.

“I enjoy helping others. I enjoy the people here. I am a people person and this is a great environment,” he said.

Temple explained the best part of working at the food bank is being able to help people by doing what they do.

Long-time volunteer Rita Sweere spoke about the founding of the food bank. She explained that it all got started in the basement of the old Anglican Church and how at first farmers would donate products and she and other volunteers would dig up things like potatoes and carrots and load them into trucks for the food bank.

Later they received a donation of a vehicle, she also spoke of the different locations that the food bank has moved to in the town.

The mayor thanked all of the volunteers for their time working to support the people of Strathmore and Wheatland County.

"It all comes down to your volunteers and I know many of the faces and I've known you over the. years in different capacities. I really appreciate you on behalf of the town and county for all the hours you've put in,” he said.

Those in attendance enjoyed refreshments and were given tours of the facility as well.

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