The City of Chestermere is well blessed to have a food bank headed by Mardi Oel and her 100 volunteers. The problem is that there is a lack of food to feed the many people who depend on it.
The clients who use the service include all generations—single mothers with children, seniors who are on fixed incomes, homeless people, disabled people, new immigrants, Meals on Wheels, and schools' healthy snacks programs.
Have you ever fallen on hard times? Lost your job? Lost your health? Have to choose between paying the light bill or putting food on the table? If the answer is “NO” then you are fortunate! Many others are struggling.
First they must overcome their fear of being judged by others as being lazy or worthless or stupid if they ask for help. They must overcome their pride and say they need assistance. If it is a man asking for help, he must fight the stigma of not being a good provider for his family. But, hard times can happen to anyone at any time! And it is only by banding together as a community to help one another, to share our wealth, our compassion, and our love that we can all prosper.
Chestermere has 34,000 people. Many people say they cannot afford to give money to the Food Bank. However, we do not have to donate a lot to make a difference. If each person in Chestermere gave the Food Bank just $1, that would be $34,000. Or if we donated a can of tuna, some toilet paper, rice, a tin of beans, or a can of tomatoes it would add up quickly to restock the shelves.
Please see what you can do to help out your community. The need is ongoing—not just at Christmas—all year long. Donations are Income Tax deductible either as cash or donations in kind. The Food Bank has a “Wish List” which includes flour, sugar, pancake mix, syrup, canned tuna and meat, canned beans, noodles, rice, Kraft Dinner, salad dressing, jams and jellies, canned vegetables, salt and pepper and ketchup, toothbrushes and toothpaste, etc.
Remember the story of the Loaves and Fishes where a little bit of food fed thousands. Do what you can even if you do not think it will make much difference.
If you need help, do not be ashamed to ask. Sometimes you need a hand up to get to better times. One day you will be able to give back by volunteering or paying it forward. Or maybe you have given in the past and this is your turn to let someone help you now.