As we wrap up another year at the Ranchlands Food Pantry, we are filled with immense gratitude for the incredible support from our community. Your generosity has made a significant impact, and we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the community members who have contributed so generously, both through items donated and money raised at our AGM silent auction and other fundraisers put on by the community association throughout the year at various events. Those funds help us stock the pantry throughout the year with staples when donations run low. We also extend our gratitude to our amazing partners: YYC Leftovers, Cobs Bread, Community Natural Foods (Crowfoot), and Paris Baguette (Beacon Hill). Your contributions of fresh food and baked goods have been invaluable in rounding out our hampers and go to supporting some of our other community programs like Free Bread Fridays, Perishable Giveaway Day, and other weekly gatherings at the hall that are open to everyone in the community. Additionally, we thank the families, staff, and School Council at Ranchlands School for their routine food collections at school events (such as the Halloween Dance) that help keep our pantry stocked, with a special shoutout to Principal Mr. Wigglesworth, who has always been such a champion for our program.
We also want to thank the local businesses who have generously donated supplies, like toothbrushes and toothpaste from Ranchlands Dental Clinic, plus Stavros Pizza & Sports Bar and CerTech Automotive Repair who have set up donation boxes in their lobbies to facilitate ongoing collection of non-perishable items for us.
A special thank you goes out to our MLA Julia Hayter and her team for their generous contribution of menstrual products following their Period Products drive. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated to that drive.
Three years ago, our program was run by a single volunteer with a lot of support from the Ranchlands Community Association then president, Anita. Today, we are proud to have grown into a robust support service with 17 volunteers in ten different roles with support from two staff members. The amazing people who give their time to running this program include Sheila and Reg, Lynn, Jo Anne, Caroline, Judy, Zen, Crystal, Sue, Sharon, Paul, Arthur, Kim, Teena and Kody, Merle, Koen, Anita, and Jen. This growth has enabled us to offer more comprehensive assistance to our neighbours in need.
In 2024 alone, we have filled 120 hampers for roughly 55 different households in Ranchlands, with 60% of these households having children under the age of 12. Our food pantry serves neighbours from all walks of life, from seniors to students. If any Ranchlanders need food assistance, hampers can be requested through our website under the programs section. Hampers are filled and ready for distribution on Monday evenings between 4:30 and 5:30 pm, unless it’s a statutory holiday, in which case distribution is moved to Tuesdays.
In addition to food, we have expanded our offerings to include small gift items for those celebrating special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. These items are all donated, and we welcome contributions of new toys as well as items suitable for adults.
We are always in need of donations like cereal, rice, canned soups, and vegetables. Unused and unopened toiletries such as deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are also greatly appreciated.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support. Together, we create a wonderful community to be a part of.
Leftovers Foundation Liz (center) with RCA Staff (Anita and Jen)
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