The Ranchlands Food Pantry is a shining example of what happens when neighbours come together with kindness and generosity. This wonderful initiative is powered by the caring hearts of Ranchlands volunteers, with its shelves filled thanks to the support of local residents and businesses. Every week, the pantry reaches Ranchlanders facing food insecurity, including seniors and families with young children, reminding us that no one is alone in our community.
As we welcome December, the Ranchlands Food Pantry has already supported 60 Ranchlands households and responded to 219 requests for hampers, and we expect to have around 232 requests by the end of the year. This is a remarkable increase from last year’s 120 hampers, reflecting both our community’s growing needs and awareness of the program.
The heart of the Ranchlands Food Pantry’s success is the continuous support from all corners of our community. We are especially grateful for the monthly donors, your steady contributions allow us to plan ahead and keep essentials like pasta, soup, and rice on hand for those in need. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a monthly donor, it’s easy to set up through CanadaHelps, and even a small gift of $3 per month makes a big difference. Of course, one-time donations are always welcome and can be sent to the Ranchlands Community Association by cash, cheque, or e-transfer at [email protected]. Every bit helps keep our shelves stocked.
We want to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to MLA Julia Hayter and her team, whose generous donation of menstrual products after their Period Products drive kept our shelves full all year. Your support, and the kindness of everyone who participated, means so much to us and to those we serve.
Our pantry is further enriched by partnerships with fantastic organizations including YYC Leftovers, Cobs Bread, Community Natural Foods, Paris Bakery, and our newest friend, Shoppers Drug Mart. Their support allows us to offer a wonderful range of non-perishable goods, ensuring families have access to nutritious and comforting food.
At the core of the Ranchlands Food Pantry is a small but mighty group of volunteers. With immense gratitude, we thank Arthur, Crystal, Jo Anne, Judy, Kathi, Lena, Liz, Lynn, Merle, Nabil, Sharon, Sheila and Reg, Sue, Teena and Kody, Zen, Caroline, and Koen. Your dedication and kindness are the heartbeat of this program. A special thank you goes to Anita and Tracy, who work behind the scenes. Everything from handling emergency pickups, and nurturing partnerships with local businesses. Your work is often unseen, but your efforts keep the pantry growing and thriving.
The Ranchlands Food Pantry truly reflects the warmth and compassion of our neighbourhood. Thanks to the caring efforts of donors, partners, and volunteers, we continue to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbours. Together, we’re keeping the spirit of community alive, one hamper, one helping hand, one smile at a time.
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