Salvation Army Food Bank Gives Clients a Boost Ahead of the Colder Months
As part of a Thanksgiving tradition, The Salvation Army in Yellowknife partnered with a local grocery store to give food bank clients a little extra during their next visit.
“Food insecurity is huge up here in the north, but even more so during special occasions.”
On Thanksgiving weekend, Salvation Army staff and volunteers sold 500 food hampers outside a Co-Op grocery store. Each hamper was worth $25, and they were all donated back to the food bank. The hampers are intended to provide a boost for clients who rely on the food bank’s support.
Major Tony Brushett from The Salvation Army in Yellowknife, explains the importance of this initiative.
“Food insecurity is huge up here in the north, but even more so during special occasions.”
The tradition of giving hampers right after Thanksgiving is meant to help clients get through the early weeks of the tough northern winters when heating costs rise. The hampers are intended to supplement the regular food bank packages.
“We are about to hit winter here in another week or two, which means electricity and heating bills go through the roof. People are struggling to pay their bills and eat, so we like to give them that little boost between now and Christmas,” Major Tony says.
Despite the tough times many Yellowknife residents have faced since last year’s forest fire evacuations, the community’s response to this initiative was overwhelmingly positive.
“It was amazing how many people came in and said, ‘You know, I’ll take four hampers’,” Major Tony recalls. “Somebody came and said, ‘I’ll take 20 hampers,’ which is $500, and they just put that on their grocery bill. Even though we have a lot of folks here who struggle day to day to make ends meet, those who can afford to, certainly do help.”
Major Tony believes that the good work of The Salvation Army in Yellowknife throughout the years has made a great impression on residents, which is why they are so generous.
“People are struggling to pay their bills and eat, so we like to give them that little boost between now and Christmas.”
“The Salvation Army name is still very good up here; the brand recognition is good. They understand the work we do, and I think that’s what makes it so much easier.”
The hampers are distributed to clients during their next visit to the food bank. Those who already received their hamper are grateful for the additional support.
“It has been a pleasant surprise for them. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback,” Major Tony adds.
Looking ahead, The Salvation Army is focusing its efforts on the annual Kettle Campaign, aiming to raise $45,000. In November, they plan to partner with a local radio station to distribute hampers once again.
By Juan Romero
