The Stoney Nakoda Food Bank has launched ‘Operation HOPE’ this holiday season, with hopes that Cochrane and area can help the Nation give the gift of Christmas for some 200 flood-affected families in Morley.
“On average, we’re sending out 300-350 hampers a week,” said food bank acting manager, Autumn Eaglespeaker. “Our people are only allowed to come and get hampers once a month, so that’s a big part of the population (reliant on the food bank).”
Hundreds were affected by the June 20 flood and heavy rainfall. For many, winter gear, Christmas decorations and basic necessities were destroyed — particularly anything stored in basements.
The food bank is aiming to have all Christmas hamper donations in by the end of this weekend.
Eaglespeaker highlighted the psycho-social impact that the event has had on families displaced, countless who remain in temporary housing shelters.
“It’s especially hard at this time of the year.”
She also explained that many of the children on the Nation don’t receive band monies, as many are not registered band members. These families often struggle with coming up with the little extras during the holiday season.
Food bank board member, Kirsten Ryder, explained that the Nation is not only grateful to receive non-perishable donations, but is also looking for some fresh produce to contribute to their Christmas hampers, as well as turkeys; due to limited fridge and freezer space, the food bank struggles with regular donations of fresh produce and frozen meat.
Also on the donations wish list are Christmas gifts, especially age-appropriate ones for elders and teens.
“Participating in Operation HOPE is easy,” explained Ryder in a press release. “Organize your neighbours, school classrooms, workplace or school and put a call out for donations…then load up the gifts and take a weekend drive to Morley on Dec. 14 or Dec. 15 and drop donations off at the Chiniki CCAP Centre.”
With the Christmas crunch coming down, Ryder is worried that this will be a bleak season. Post-flood, the demand placed on the food bank has been severe.
“It’s been a hard time for the children. So many aren’t in their homes...I’d love to put some smiles on those little faces this Christmas,” said Ryder.
To get to the Chiniki CCAP Centre, take the Trans Canada Highway west to the turnoff for Morley; stay right and travel north until you arrive at a log house on the left-hand side of the road, before the fire department.
