Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
Since 1989, the Lethbridge Interfaith Food Bank has been providing emergency food services to Lethbridge and the surrounding area. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many volunteers have stepped up to help the food bank continue to aid those facing food insecurity.
Mary Sakal has been coming in daily to help with the administration, wiping down high-touch surfaces like doors and guiding people on how to maintain social distancing.
A volunteer with the food bank for over 15 years, Gerit van Gaal has dedicated his time to coming in daily to help set up and make sure that the food bank is prepared. He has also helped support new volunteers by taking them under his wing.
Fred Gravel has spent endless hours at the food bank ensuring that everything is taken care of so that operations can be maintained.
One of the food bank’s newest volunteers, Steve Kowalchuk, helps wherever he is needed, whether it is building hampers or sweeping the parking lot. He is often the first one to arrive in the morning and the last one to leave at the end of the day.
Kevin Willms comes in every morning. According to his nominator, “His kindness and love of people shines as he works with others and helps where he is needed.”
Dedicated volunteer Irene Noakes gets work done faster than anyone else around her. She is known for her laughter and sarcasm and her interactions with food bank clients.