The Clearview Public Schools board of trustees, working in partnership with members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4292, is donating $1,700 to local charities.
Clearview trustees are donating their Dec. 2021 per diems, an amount totaling around $1,300, to be split between food banks in Castor, Stettler, Coronation, and Big Valley.
CUPE is topping up the donation with a $400 donation to be split between the Stettler food bank and the Christmas Hamper Society.
The Clearview board decided to make the donation this year to ensure that families have enough to eat over the holidays and is being done instead of gifts for staff.
“We are grateful for Clearview’s support and for all the support our community gives us,” said Betty Birch, Stettler Food Bank coordinator in a Clearview Public Schools media release.
“We can make a difference when we work together.”
According to the release, the Stettler Food Bank serves around 350 families in the community.
“We really appreciate all the assistance from donors and volunteers that enable our local food banks to support families and individuals in our Clearview communities,” said Guy Neitz, Clearview Public Schools board chair.
“As community leaders it is a privilege to to be able to help in the effort to sustain individuals and families, especially during this holiday season.”
In addition to financial contributions, all the food banks in the Clearview region welcome fresh food items such as potatoes, carrots, apples, or other perishable food items that store well.
Non-perishable items are always appreciated as well.
The Stettler Food Bank can be contacted at 403-740-6733 to make drop off arrangements.
The Castor Food Bank can be reached at 403-882-2115, and Coronation can be reached at 403-578-2727.