Adding Hope to Easter Hampers in Grande Prairie
This Easter, families in Grande Prairie will be able to enjoy a turkey dinner thanks to a corporate partnership with the local Costco. Not only will the partnership ensure that families in need can celebrate, but it is also a creative way to prevent food waste.
Earlier this year, Costco donated 75 frozen turkeys to the Grande Prairie Salvation Army Food Bank. Those turkeys will complete an Easter hamper for recipients of food assistance. The food bank identified several larger families that could benefit from receiving some additional support for an Easter meal in addition to the regular hampers they receive monthly. Distribution began in March and continues until Good Friday.
“We’re seeing a significant shift in food insecurity in our community, and across Canada. We have families who used to give to The Salvation Army, and now they’re recipients, and our donor base has gone down as the need has gone up,” explains Captain Peter Kim, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Grande Prairie’s Community Services.
The Grande Prairie food bank typically has around 400 food bank appointments each month, serving nearly 13,000 individuals. Food bank usage in the community has risen sharply since 2016, from 5% of the town’s population to an astounding 20%.
“We’re realizing more and more that to sustain that need, the generosity of businesses and corporations and individuals who are willing to give is so important. We’re grateful to have such a generous community in Grande Prairie that always pulls through to help families in need, so that we always meet our Christmas kettle goals, and thanks to generous donations like these turkeys, we’re able to help supplement our hamper program.”
“The silver lining is that there are people do care. People are stepping up to give. People are being generous. The other side of the story is, yes, there is need, but there are also generous donors who know that they can give to a trusted organization like The Salvation Army. We are able to distribute those donations to the families who are in need, because they trust the work that we’ve been doing.”
“Thank you so much for this turkey. I will cook it up for the family and invite the neighbours for dinner,” said one client, highlighting how this donation will not only address an immediate need but also foster community.
“Thank you so much for this turkey. My kids will eat well. God bless The Salvation Army, and Happy Easter,” said another grateful client.
The Salvation Army has had a presence in Grande Prairie since 1919. To learn more about their programs and services or to support their efforts, please visit: https://salvationarmygp.ca/
