For over 20 years the Lethbridge community has come together to help out those in need during the annual Stuff-A-Bus event. The Lethbridge Food Bank, Interfaith Food Bank and Save-on-Foods joined forces for the event. Lethbridge Transit donated busses for the day and parked them in front of both Save-On-Foods in Lethbridge. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. the doors of the bus remain open for people to come and donate items for the less fortunate. The goal is to completely fill the bus with donations that will be distributed to the food banks.
Danielle McIntyre, Executive Director at Interfaith Food Bank, has helped organize the event for many years. This year will be her 10th year working the event.
“Being that it’s Christmas time, we’re just hoping people remember that not everyone has the chance to enjoy a merry Christmas if they’re struggling to put food on the table,” she said. McIntyre explains that she understands times are tight for a lot of people and says anything helps and they will make the best of the donations they receive.
For those who are unsure of what to bring for the bus, volunteers will be standing by with lists of most needed items. Save-On-Foods will also have pre-packed hampers located inside the store for purchase for five dollars.
Cody Wiser, a volunteer at the Stuff-A-Bus event, explains why it is important for him to donate his time and help out. “Being a missionary, we like to go out, volunteer and serve people and that’s what we’re doing today, helping out the community,” he said.
Catherine Stewart, Volunteer Coordinator at Lethbridge Food Bank, explains that the Stuff-A-Bus event is important to ensure that there is food in their warehouse for the beginning of the new year. “Stuff-A-Bus helps us stock up our warehouse come January because it will be completely empty after the 23rd of December,” she said. “We have so much help and support in December, but not as much after the Christmas season.”
According to Alberta Food Banks, food bank use in Alberta increased by 23 per cent from last year. The increase in Alberta was the highest in the country. Alberta Food Banks believes this was attributed to around 35,000 lay-offs that took place in the oil and gas industry.
The Stuff-A-Bus event is not the only way you can donate to the food banks. At any time throughout the year their doors are open for people to stop by and make donations. Non-perishable items or cash donations are always welcome. Stewart mentioned that food banks are always in need of donations. To donate, you can stop by the Interfaith Food Bank is located in Lethbridge at 1105 3 Ave. N. or at the Lethbridge Food Bank at 1016 2 Ave. S.
