High School’s Food Donation Helps Salvation Army Fight Hunger in Yellowknife
It has become an annual tradition for students from St. Patrick High School in Yellowknife to support The Salvation Army during the holiday season through food donations.
As part of a school Christmas initiative, the students formed a human chain to move more than 100 boxes of non-perishable food items from the street into The Salvation Army.
This initiative takes place each year and the partnership between the school and the Army has become a local highlight of the holiday season.
“It is one of our favourite activities,” Jennifer Butler, community and family services manager at The Salvation Army, says. “The students lined up across the street and brought loads of boxes into our food room.”
This donation came during one of the most critical times for the Yellowknife community. Hundreds of people who access Salvation Army services continue to struggle with the high cost of living, particularly during Christmas time.
“This will help us have enough food up to the end of January, which tends to be the toughest month for those struggling with food security.”
“Our food bank helps up to 400 families each month, so this support will keep us going for a little while,” Jennifer adds. “Donations like these make a real difference for the families and individuals who rely on us.”
Major Tony Brushett, executive director at The Salvation Army in Yellowknife, highlighted the great number of participants and complimented their positive energy.
“Their enthusiasm was great this year,” Major Tony shares. “The amount of food we received is likely more than in any other year. We are very pleased. This will probably help us have enough food up to the end of January, which tends to be the toughest month up here for those struggling with food security.”
This support helps ensure The Salvation Army remains a reliable source of aid for families facing financial difficulties after the holidays. For Major Tony, seeing students participate in this initiative is also a hopeful glimpse into the future.
“As teachers, we have such a beautiful opportunity to see kids in their best light.”
“It’s wonderful to see this work being transferred to our younger generations. Seeing the human chain is the highlight of our Christmas every year,” Major Tony says.
While food bank clients benefit from large donations like these, students who take part in this activity also gain a meaningful experience.
Jacqueline Stanbridge, teacher at St. Patrick High School, believes this partnership teaches the youth about community support and generosity.
“As teachers, we have such a beautiful opportunity to see kids in their best light and this probably tops that,” she shares.
As a remote northern city, Yellowknife’s grocery prices are higher than the national average. Partnerships and donations are key for The Salvation Army to continue providing food support to families in need.
By Juan Romero (Photo by: Lisa Iesse, My North Now)
