A tummy-filling donation is a major help for the Red Deer Food Bank heading into the holiday season.
The Iglesia ni Cristo Church of Christ delivered more than 300 boxes of donated, non-perishable goods to the food bank Saturday.
A donation like this is “so important,” said the food bank’s deputy director, Alice Kolisnyk.
“It’s a testament to what can be done when a group of people come together. And it’s a great way to start our (holiday) season and start filling up those shelves,” she said.
Kolisnyk said she expects the food bank to be busier than normal this holiday season.
“When that amount of food comes in, it makes things seem just a little less daunting,” she said.
The Iglesia ni Cristo made another large donation to the food bank this past spring as well.
“This one looks like it’s even bigger,” said Kolisnyk, adding each box contains canned and dry goods, including beans, soups and pasta.
Roland Gaviola, the church’s district minister, said it was exciting to see so many boxes of food being donated.
“Especially at this time of the pandemic, there are lots of people who are in need,” said Gaviola.
“With a little help that we could provide, we knew there would be lots of people who would benefit.
“Families and members of the Iglesia ni Cristo helped together – everyone had their part in helping people,” he said.
Many families dropped off the food donations, instead of staying around for the donation ceremony on Saturday due to COVID-19 restrictions. Local dignitaries, including Mayor Tara Veer, attended the ceremony.
“Many of us take the simple necessities of life for granted. But the fact that you are being so giving of your time, your energy, your talents and your resources is incredible,” Veer told members of the church, who gathered in the food bank parking lot.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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