Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Two Smoky River Region entities are joining forces to help curb hunger in the region.
Smoky River Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and Farm Credit Canada are teaming up to hold an event in Falher to raise funds and gather items for the Smoky River Food Bank.
“We are teaming up for the Drive Away Hunger campaign on Oct. 16,” says FCSS director Crystal Tremblay.
“We want to fill the transportation bus with items for the food bank.”
Tremblay says they will accept any food, hygiene, or other items at the event. Anyone who cannot attend the event can also go to Red Apple in Falher to donate items for the food bank.
“The fundraiser is important for the food bank,” says Tremblay, who notes there has been a lot of demand for items since the food bank’s inception.
“We are hoping to fill the shelves before the cold weather comes.”
Drive Away Hunger will be a hotdog barbeque at the Falher Foods parking lot from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“The hotdog lunch will be provided with financial donations accepted for the food bank,” Tremblay says.
“People can alternatively bring food items to help fill the transportation van.”
Tremblay says charitable receipts will be provided by request from the food bank for any financial donations that are given.
“Companies are encouraged to make donations if they can,” says Tremblay.
“We also ask people to make sure that if they’re donating food to make sure the food is not expired.”
Items needed include Chunky Soup, tuna, salmon, canned soups, tomatoes, pasta sauce, pasta, Jello, rice, fruit, laundry pods, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and brushes, body washes, deodorant, powdered milk, and toilet paper.
“We are also now accepting frozen vegetables as we now have freezers at the food bank,” Tremblay concludes.