A Lethbridge County municipal leader says he is happy with the results of the month-long food drive and fundraiser that supported the Coaldale and Picture Butte Food Banks.
Reeve Tory Campbell says heading into Frozen Foodbank Fundraiser he had set out some lofty goals, but in the end, he says a substantial amount of food was brought in to be split between the two non-profits, along with $2,300 in cash donations.
“I was really happy that those who could give did step up and give,” Campbell says. “It was a fun initiative, and I was glad to bring a little levity to a serious issue.”
Campbell explains when the initiative originally launched on November 1st he wanted to bring awareness to a real need that exists in the community and the essential service food banks provide. He adds as the holiday season approached it also was a way to hopefully provide those experiencing financial challenges some relief.
Campbell says when it comes to issues such as inflation and food insecurity, these are not concerns that are just segregated within the border of one community and he believes it is important that municipalities start to look at what resources they have access to that they can leverage and collaborate on to help deal with these concerns.
“I think it is a part of that conversation where we need to continue to come together and collaborate to find solutions, because what we are seeing more and more as municipalities is what is our problem is probably your problem.”
“I think we need to keep working together and look at this on a much larger scale so we can all move the needle and help people moving forward.”
Campbell says he has to thank county council for supporting the initiative, along with Coaldale Town Council who made a $1,000 donation.