Clearview Public Schools, its staff and board of trustees committed to helping the families over the holidays.
“Our local food banks and the Christmas Hamper Society fill a critical need in supporting families and students in our communities,” said Guy Nietz, Clearview board chair.
That’s why Clearview trustees donated their per diem for one December board meeting to a local food bank on behalf of the division. The total amount being donated from the trustees is just shy of $1,400, and amount being topped up by both the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
The ATA donation is amounting to $1,300 and the CUPE donation is $400, for a combined total of just over $3,000 to the charities during the holiday season.
According to a Clearview release announcing the donation, the Stettler Christmas Hamper Society received $200, the Stettler Food Bank received around $1,700, and food banks in Big Valley, Castor, and Coronation each received just under $400.
In addition to the monetary donation, Clearview also donated 150 kids books to the Stettler Christmas Hamper Society to go out in the hampers.
“Clearview’s ATA is pleased to contribute to our local food banks,” says Corey VanZandbergen, president of the ATA local.
“We believe this donation will impact students in our communities. It’s important they know we, as teachers, care about them and their families.”
According to Mark Higgins, the president of the Stettler Food Bank, food costs have risen considerably at the same time as demand as surged.
“Cash donations like Clearview’s are incredibly important to us,” said Higgins. “We don’t have dedicated funding, so we rely on the generosity of our communities to help us make a difference for families who need support. Thank you to Clearview’s staff and trustees for this donation. It will help families.”
Higgins notes in the release that the local grocery stores and drug stores have been great supporters of the food banks, as have individuals who have donated fresh produce such as potatoes.
Currently, the Stettler Food Bank is welcoming donations of fresh food items that store well, such as potatoes, carrots, and apples, and inspected meat.
The release notes that personal hygiene items, non-perishable items and cash are always appreciated as well.
To make a donation, contact the Stettler Food Bank at 403-740-6733.