Save your canned goods for now, and bring out the cash! While they do appreciate all donations, South East Helping Hands in Steinbach is currently looking for financial support for the coming months.
“We’re asking for cash this time, because we need to pay for other stuff,” operations manager Ken Dyck explains.
Show your support by attending their upcoming Barbecue Fundraiser, Wednesday, September 25th from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
“Hot dogs and farmer patties- you can choose which one. Plus chips, drinks, freezies. It’s all for $5, but you’re welcome to give more. It’s happening rain or shine. If it rains, we’ll open up the big garage doors.”
The event includes a ribbon cutting for the most recent expansion, and music by Island Breeze. Attendants can also take a tour of the new addition, and hear about what the space will be used for.
“This expansion is brand new,” Dyck clarifies. “Now we’ve got more space for empty pallets, crates, and stuff. If we get an abundance of food brought in, we can put it there. It’s partially heated, so if we need to keep things a little cooler, we can put it in there. It will also help a lot for Community Christmas. It just gives us a lot more space.”
This is not the first time South East Helping Hands has expanded their warehouse at 525 Main Street in Steinbach.
“First we had the main building. Then we added on to the back of that- we thought then that we would never have to go bigger. But things change, we we got more clients. So now we’re expanding out the side.”
Whether on instinct or as a learned skill, Ken and the team at South East Helping Hands are always looking to the future and planning ahead. As the local food bank, their impact is great, but their work cannot continue if the bills don’t get paid.
“Freezers and all that, they break down- it doesn’t take much, and it’s a $1000 bill to repair something. We have no choice but to replace it.” Dyck continues. “The van doesn’t run for free. We have a new vehicle, too- the old one is probably going to be ditched soon. There’s insurance, hydro, water bills, normal upkeep. It just keeps lumping up, and we have to pay for it.”
Dyck stresses that the opportunities for community members to donate food are coming soon- including the Fall Food Drive, Cram The Cruiser, and Hope For The Holidays- but right now, what’s really needed is funds.
“I’ve told a lot of people already- cash is king.”
The South East Helping Hands Barbecue Fundraiser happens Wednesday, September 25th from 11:00am – 3:00pm at 525 Main Street in Steinbach. For more information about the significant work they’re doing in your community, visit their website.
