The Veteran’s Association Foodbank is seeking donations for their hamper program as shelves continue to empty every month.
Tammy Decker, Marketing Coordinator for the Veterans Association says with 24 local veterans in the facility’s care, each month marks a renewed need for donations for their hampers.
“We get enough just to feed the veterans so we need to replenish the shelves every month, so if you drop off 22 ketchups we’re gonna need 22 ketchups next month,” she says. “It disappears pretty quick when you’re feeding that many veterans.”
Marie Blackburn, Executive Director of the Veterans Association, adds that the need for a veteran-focused foodbank is a must for some ex-military, as many of them refuse to accept donations from people who “need it more” than them.
“We’ve had many veterans tell us in the past that they’ve lined up at a food bank and they see a family in front of them and they’ll walk out because they feel like they don’t feel that they should be taking from anybody else,” she says.
Blackburn says that the Veteran’s Association is more than just a food bank as well. She says food is just one of the numerous services they provide such as Financial, Medical, and Mental help and comradery between those who served our country.
“It’s not just about the food, food is a great way to get people in the door and figure out what they need,” she says. “There is a connection between veterans that none of us will ever understand… it’s a bond stronger than your family.”
Donations are accepted at several locations in and around Grande Prairie at places like Aderson Hardware Sexsmith, legion, bullets and Broadheads, Rona, Western Financial.
