By Sheldon Spackman

A Few More Turkeys Needed

Red Deer Food Bank supplies in good shape as Thanksgiving nears

Oct 7, 2020 | 2:24 PM

Supplies are looking good at the Red Deer and District Food Bank heading into the Thanksgiving Long Weekend.

Deputy Director Alice Kolisnyk says thankfully, the community has remained generous throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re still looking for a few turkeys for families that are able to cook a dinner for their family, but otherwise, general donations are good,” says Kolisnyk.

Although she doesn’t anticipate an increase in local food demand over the upcoming weekend, Kolisnyk does admit that changes to federal government COVID relief measures for those who aren’t working, may result in a gradual increase in demand over the coming weeks.

“However, we’re in a good place to help out anybody that needs help and we’re here for them,” says Kolisnyk. “And we’re always accepting donations, whether it’s food donations or cash. If you want to make food donations, you can do so at our warehouse or at the donation bins in the grocery stores”.

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In that respect, Kolisnyk reminds residents that the food bank also accepts fresh vegetable donations.

“We accept garden produce and you don’t have to worry about washing it off,” she explains. “It’s better to store it a little bit dirty with the ground dirt on it.”

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forcing many organizations to rethink their fundraising efforts this year, Kolisnyk admits the food bank has fared well so far.

“Individuals and groups and other organizations have gotten creative and managed to do donations on our behalf, so we’re very grateful for that,” she exclaims. “Now we’re in our brainstorming stage to see what we can come up with in the future to keep this going.”

Following the long weekend, Kolisnyk says their focus will be working out the details for their annual Stuff-A-Bus fundraiser.

“We do have Stuff-A-Bus scheduled for the end of November again, but it’s going to be quite a bit different from past years.”

For more information, visit www.reddeerfoodbank.com.