Local News
Youth food drive brings in major support for Rhineland and Area Foodbank
A BIG thank you is being extended to the community following last night's youth fall food drive in Altona and surrounding area. In total, 5,000 pounds of non-perishable food items and over $5,000 is cash and cheque donations came in, helping to fortify the Rhineland and Area Foodbank as it heads into the typically busy winter season. Youth groups spent the evening collecting the donations from homes in Altona, Gretna, Schoenwiese, Kronsthal, Neuhorst, Rosetown and Blumenort. In an earlier interview with PembinaValleyOnline, pastor and food drive organizer, Richard Bage had this to say, "I love seeing kids that want to give back. It's great. Teenagers see a need in the community and they're willing to do their part to help out. At the same time, it's great knocking on doors and seeing how many people are willing to give this time of year whether it's residents that are donating or teens that are collecting, it's one of those things where it seems like the whole community rallies together for an evening and pulls this off in a couple of hours." Serving an average of 65 to 70 families a week, these donations will go a long way in helping the foodbank need the ever-increasing need. "It's excellent. It's awesome," said Ang Stoesz, Chair of the foodbank. Right now, the organization spends $10,000 a month on groceries. "We get a great discount at the grocery store," noted Stoesz. "Your money goes faster if the foodbank spends it for you. It's much easier for us because we get what we need at a discounted price." With files from Zack Driedger