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The Pembina Valley came together in a big way on Thursday during the Food for All fundraising food drive, supporting the vital work of the Many Hands Resource Centre in Morden. Broadcasting live from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gardenland Co-op, the event encouraged community members to drop off non-perishable food items and cash donations to help feed local families in need.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, over $4,000 was collected, with every dollar and food item going directly to Many Hands.
A growing need in the community
Marketing Manager Brendan Froese of Gardenland Co-op emphasized the importance of stepping up to meet the increasing demand. “We know the need is growing and it’s a consistent need,” said Froese. “We just want to do whatever we can to support [Many Hands] in their efforts to support the people in our community.”
Gardenland Co-op helped kick off the fundraiser with a $1,500 donation.
Mariyam Tsygankova, Executive Director at Many Hands, shared how the food bank often becomes a lifeline for local families—and how that support can come full circle. “I remember a single mom came to us, unsure how she would feed her kids after losing her job,” Tsygankova shared. “With support from the food bank, she made it through the toughest month in her life. Later, she came back to volunteer. That was her way to give back.”
We always need volunteers,” she added. “Whether it’s for the food bank, soup kitchen, community kitchen, garden, or the upcoming Manitoba Food Currency Program—there are so many ways people can get involved.”
The drive rolls on: Altona & Winkler up next
The Food for All campaign continues this coming week. On May 1st, the team will be broadcasting live from Sun Valley Co-op in Altona, collecting donations in support of the Rhineland & Area Food Bank.
Then on May 8th, the drive makes its final stop at Winkler Gardenland Co-op where donations will support the Winkler Food Cupboard.
You can help fight food insecurity right here in the Pembina Valley. Whether it’s a can of soup or a cash donation, every bit helps—and every bit stays local.