On Jan. 19, the Barriere and District Food Bank Society held their Annual General Meeting at the Food Bank building. In attendance were managing director Kim Keating, and directors Tina Tuaiti, Ellouise (Popo) Skjonsberg, and Marion Coltman, and members Rose Seymour and Alexis Jones.
Skjonsberg informed the board that she wished to step down and will be on the on-call list of volunteers. Seymour has agreed to fill the vacancy this would have left on the executive board.
The Society expressed their thanks to everyone who has donated time, food or money to the Food Bank.
“We are continually blown away by the generosity of the community we live in,” said Keating, “It is amazing.”
The Society recognized the following for the efforts they have put forth to support the Food Bank: the students and staff of Barriere Elementary and the students of Barriere Secondary - both held food and toy drives for Christmas; Rae Lee Fraser, a local high school student who organized the Toy Drive throughout town in 2010; and the Toy Run committee whose support makes the Christmas gift program possible. Local businesses were also named: AG Foods, Sam’s Pizza and Interior Savings Credit Union, for their continued support both at Christmas and throughout the year.
“We wish we could list every individual and group,” stated Keating, “but the list is long and we would likely miss someone. Every donation is greatly appreciated.”
It was reported that during 2010, the Barriere and District Food Bank distributed 18,124.61 pounds of food, gave out 70 Christmas hampers, and the volunteers put in 865 hours during the year.
The Food Bank is always happy to get new volunteers - if you are interested and have some time, please give Kim Keating a call at 250-672-0029.