The community is coming together tomorrow for a powerful cause. The Food For All Fundraiser returns Wednesday, May 8th at Gardenland Co-op in Winkler, and you're invited to make a difference.
From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Country 88, The Eagle 93.5 and CFAM Radio 950 will be broadcasting live, collecting non-perishable food and cash donations to support the Winkler & District Food Cupboard.
Every dollar and can counts
When it comes to community support, every donation matters. “A $5 donation gets us a jug of milk to a family,” says Milt Olfert, Board Chair of the Winkler Food Cupboard. “Even if you throw in one can, and everybody throws in a can, all of a sudden our shelves are full. That saves us money, and we can use it on something else.”
The Food Cupboard runs entirely on community generosity. “Everything we do is based on donations,” says Olfert. “We have no paid staff. It is 100% volunteer-based, and we're just very thankful.”
What’s needed most?
Cash donations allow the Food Cupboard to purchase perishable items like milk and eggs, as well as harder-to-stock essentials. “Cooking oil is very expensive, so we don’t do it all the time,” Olfert explains. “Every couple of months, we try to get some sugar in so people can do some baking or whatever—and they can stretch it out.”
Non-perishable donations such as canned vegetables, soups, rice, oatmeal, pasta, flour, and sugar are always welcome. Items can be dropped off tomorrow at Gardenland Co-op during the event.
Fighting food waste, feeding families
The Winkler Food Cupboard works hard to ensure that nothing goes to waste. “On Mondays and Fridays, we have what's called The Pantry,” Olfert says. “We pick things up in the morning, and by the afternoon, it's on people's tables.”
Thanks to local grocery stores and generous partners, even close-dated food or lightly damaged packaging finds its way into homes that need it most. “In this area, there is virtually zero food waste,” says Olfert. “Our grocery stores are being very diligent with their stuff.”
Local roots, local impact
Many local farmers quietly contribute to the cause. “To see those things that are grown in our area coming into the Food Cupboard and going into the hands of the people that need it—it’s quite incredible,” Olfert shares.
And he emphasizes: no donation is too small. “Even a toonie makes a difference,” he says. “If every person in the surrounding area gave $2, that’s $40,000. That goes a long, long way.”
Join us tomorrow — let’s fill the shelves together
Whether you’re stopping by Gardenland Co-op for lunch, groceries, or just to show support, every can and every dollar truly makes a difference. “Any little tiny bit makes a massive, massive difference,” Olfert reminds us.
Location: Gardenland Co-op, Winkler
Time: 9 AM – 6 PM
What to bring: Non-perishable food items or cash donations
Let’s show what the Pembina Valley is all about—caring for our neighbours and ensuring no table goes empty.