(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By rdnewsNOW staff

In July

Summer camp students to build potato planter boxes for Red Deer Food Bank

Jun 3, 2025 | 2:54 PM

The Red Deer Food Bank will soon benefit from the craftsmanship from a number of summer camp students.

Red Deer Polytechnic partnered with local trade professionals, schools, and organizations to support youth interested in the construction industry.

Through the partnership, they created “Building Skills for Tomorrow” where youth team up with a journeyperson carpenter to build potato planter boxes, which are donated to the Food Bank.

The campers will learn all about working in construction including how to measure, saw, hammer, and work as a team.

The camp runs July 7 to 11 at Red Deer Polytechnic. Registration is open now at rdpolytech.ca/summer-camps.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

Dec 14, 2025

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

“This project is a perfect example of what happens when a community comes together with purpose,” said Mitch Thomson, Executive Director of the Red Deer Food Bank. “Red Deer Polytechnic, our local building industry, the Chamber of Commerce, and youth are uniting to build more than just potato boxes—they’re building skills, confidence, and a future where no one goes hungry. Community is the superpower we draw on to fight food insecurity, and this effort shows we have the knowledge, tools, and determination to make a lasting impact.”

This camp aims to inspire youth to consider pursuing future careers in construction by giving them a valuable head start on their career journey.

Tricia Hunter, Senior Manager, Business & Membership Development at the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, said they hope to see 25 youth at the camp with a goal of building 40 potato boxes for the food bank.

“These teens will not only leave with important life skills, but they will also have the satisfaction of having applied those skills in productive ways that helped to serve others in need,” Hunter added.

“There are still spots available to register. It’s a great week of learning and giving back to community.”