As an annual fundraiser, Moose Jaw Co-op is partnering with Canadian Pacific (CP), GoldenWest, and the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank for ‘Good-Buy To Hunger’.
CP will again host a virtual concert this year and donate to local food banks in communities across its network for the Holiday Train program's 23rd year. Here in Moose Jaw, the campaign kicks off November 26th and runs through to December 16th.
Bags filled with non-perishable food items can be purchased at the Moose Jaw Co-op for $10 each. Co-op grocery manager Tim Wonsiak and his staff put extra work into the campaign to make it easy for individuals to just drop by the Co-op and donate to the campaign.
“We do all of the work; there is nothing for the customer to do other than provide the donation, which we are so grateful for,” said Michaela Turner, marketing manager at Moose Jaw Co-op.
Last year, Moose Jaw Co-op transported approximately 2,304 bags, calculating into about 30,400 pounds of food, a record-breaking year.
“We calculate by dollar amount so for every $10 per bag sold, we take the total amount and convert it to pounds of food. We fill many, many pallets with food to be delivered on the final day. Last year it was several trips to the Food Bank. On the final day (Dec. 16), we always ask our friends from the Moose Jaw Fire Station to give us a hand and we load up all of the pallets into a huge trailer to take to the food bank,” explained Turner.
Gabrielle Belanger, supervisor at CP Rail and her team always go above-and-beyond to ensure the campaign is a success. The demand for food is always there year-round so the partnerships forged between CP Rail, Moose Jaw Co-op and the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank through this initiative play a big role in helping those in need. This year, The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train received the 2021 Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), a huge honor.
“The main goal is the same and that is to fill the shelves of the food bank. The reputation of the Holiday Train speaks for itself and we are just promoting the symbolism of the Holiday Train and even though it may be virtual it is still a symbol of community and greatness. I hope that we can come together again as a community with greatness. I hope that we can come together again as a community and help those who are in need this holiday season as there are many people in our community that need our help,” said Gabrielle Belanger, supervisor at CP Rail.
For those wanting to make a donation towards the campaign they are encouraged to speak with a cashier at the Co-op Food Store beginning on November 20th. All payments are accepted for donations.
If any local businesses would like to give a donation and be recognized, they can contact Michaela at [email protected]
