Postponed from earlier this year, the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society is set for their third annual Charity Golf Tournament, to be held this year at the Links of GlenEagles.
Slated to run at 1:30 p.m., Sept. 17, the tournament aims to raise funds in support of the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank that serves the Stoney Nakoda First Nation communities of Morley, Eden Valley and Big Horn.
This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the food bank, said manager Cindy Overland. Right now, the bank is seeing a lot of traffic, she added. In addition to regular patrons, the food bank is providing food for the two recovery shelters filled with individuals and families who remain displaced from June’s rainfalls and flooding.
Overland said the proceeds from the golf tournament will be put towards expanding the food bank facilities.
“We’re hoping to build a walk-in fridge and freezer to ensure safe storage of foods,” she remarked. “This will also open up our location so we can make hampers — we need more room.”
She added that the food bank has plans to eventually include a community kitchen and community garden.
“We need to get these additions done — then we can focus on collecting foods and storing it in a proper manner,” she said. “If we can begin to collect eggs, milk and meat products, we can supply more balanced nutrition for our customers.”
This year, Overland has set a fundraising goal of $40,000. Last year, the event raised about $20,000 she said.
There are still spots open for teams or individuals to participate in the Charity Golf Tournament.
Teams of four can register for $900; individuals can registers for $225. The fees include the golf event, along with the post-tourney dinner and banquet.
To register or for more information, contact Overland at [email protected].
Currently, the Nakoda Food Bank has set up shop in the old Chiniki Grocery Store. Overland said there are plans to return to the rightful location in the townsite for the beginning of next month.
As always, the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank is accepting food donations. Donations can be dropped off at the Chiniki Grocery Store. Overland said customer favourites include pasta, soup, peanut butter and canned meats.
