On the afternoon of Oct. 11, the Moose Jaw Food Bank received a generous donation from the Moose Jaw Co-op, which came as the result of the Fuel Good Day charitable effort.
The final amount raised was $12,075.20, and this is thanks to the generosity of Moose Jaw’s citizens.
To raise funds, the Moose Jaw Co-op had three of its fuel locations direct a portion of proceeds from each fuel purchase to the cause. The South Hill, First Avenue Northwest, and Ninth Avenue Northeast Co-op fuel stations were included.
The Fuel Good Day charity operates by having local organizations follow an application process, and candidates are selected based on who is currently requiring assistance. This year, the Moose Jaw Food Bank was selected.
“It was a very nice cheque, especially this time of year when our numbers start to go up. In the spring and summer months our donations go up and our clients sort of go down a little bit, but this year we’re not seeing that at all,” said Terri Smith, operation’s manager at the Moose Jaw Food Bank.
The additional funding will be used to help more individuals in need, and the new, larger facility requires more inputs to meet the needs of the community.
“With a bigger building comes bigger expenses,” Smith explained. “It’s more food to purchase, and… (after COVID-19 we went) from a 75 per cent drop to suddenly having a 54 per cent increase from our regular amount of people coming in – that’s a lot and we’re noticing it.”
In the previous building, one or two volunteers could keep the lobby operational but with recent demand this has jumped to a minimum of four people. “Our staff and volunteers are moving down there,” Smith said.
The Moose Jaw Food Bank is currently operated by six permanent staff members, and the rest are volunteers. “We’ve actually more than tripled our volunteer base since moving into this building,” Smith explained.
The new facility also allows clients to stay warm inside, rather than lining up on the sidewalk outside.
“This was the first time we’ve ever been selected for the Fuel Good Day, so we’re very honoured to be a part of that and to be able to participate in something like that,” she said, noting that she is honoured to see the community come together in support of one another.
Fuel Good Day helped spread awareness of the Food Bank’s services and the increased need for local families to get temporary help with meals.
Smith noted that she has seen several clients come in once or twice a month recently, whereas they previously came in once or twice in a year. “A lot of people are struggling,” Smith noted.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, clients could only come in seven times a year to ensure the availability of supplies, and visits had to be 30 days apart. After the pandemic, supplies improved and the Food Bank was able to help 12 times a year, but visits still had to be separated by 30 days.
Clients can now visit on any two days of each calendar month.
Another benefit of the Fuel Good Day was to help change people’s perspective toward the Food Bank, as a negative stigma still exists regarding the use of the service.
“To know that working families come here (will help change that stigma),” she said. “It’s not what you’re picturing, and it’s not necessarily because people are making bad choices. It’s because people need to eat, and a lot of us are struggling with that,” explained client resource manager Cheantelle Fisher.
“It’s safe to come here and it’s not shameful,” Fisher said. “Everybody deserves to eat.”
Fisher said she witnessed a positive impact during the Fuel Good Day event.
“There were folks pulling up who said they already got a full tank of gas, and they would donate cash to support us. The mayor came out to support us and fill up his vehicle, and our volunteers had so much fun dancing and spinning our signs,” Fisher recalled.
“I would like to thank Moose Jaw Co-op for being such great supporters of the Moose Jaw Food Bank. They’ve always supported us in every way possible,” Smith said.
“I would like to add just how wonderful and helpful they were on Fuel Good Day,” Fisher added. “They were holding signs for us, they provided hot drinks for all the volunteers who were there, and jackets for a few of us who were super cold in the morning. They were very thoughtful and kind hosts. It was very much appreciated, and everybody noticed their kindness that day. Thank you again.”
Smith wanted to thank the staff and volunteers at the Food Bank for their support. “It has been a very difficult year struggling with different changes, and just the influx of citizens coming in needing help. Our staff has been just great.”
She also wanted to extend her thanks to the community. “A big thank you to the community. If it wasn’t for them, our doors wouldn’t be open,” Smith concluded.
The Moose Jaw Food Bank is located at 270 Fairford Street West and can be reached at 306-692-2911.
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