Lethbridge Remembers the Forgotten

Alberta Environment staff in Lethbridge have organized a cash fund raising campaign for the Athabasca food bank. We expect to raise close to $1500 and this money will be transported, along with some supplies that have been collected at the Provincial building in Lethbridge, up to Athabasca on Monday. I have spoken to Mike at the food bank in Athabasca and he informed me that they are absolutely depleted. When the fire struck, they immediately spent all the money they had in their coffers on bedding and clothing supplies. The have even BORROWED money to help in the effort. Its hard to believe, but the food bank may end up owing money when all is said and done. This seems like a travesty to me, but it is what it is. Hopefully some of the provincial government funds will go towards this very real need, but in the meantime, this is where our support will be focused.

Mike also encouraged us to think in the long term. When the multi-plex closes its doors, and when affected people don't want to impose on friends and family anymore they will STILL be in need and this need will fall to the food bank. I challenge other groups to put on fund raisers perhaps in a week or two ... or a month or two from now, so these families are not forgotten.