Saskatoon Food Bank kicks off biggest annual campaign with a generous boost

WATCH: Saskatoon Food Bank marked giving Tuesday with the launch of its annual fundraising campaign, and a $10,000 donation from UFCW.

The Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre celebrated Giving Tuesday with a major boost from Saskatchewan union locals to help families struggling with food insecurity.

“We’re happy to donate $10,000 on behalf of our members to the Saskatoon Foodbank today,” UFCW 649 President Brant Palko announced.

The annual Foodbank Light It Up campaign kicked off on Giving Tuesday with a big helping hand.

The money was raised by UFCW workers across the province, who made the cheque presentation possible.

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“I think for us, it’s important to show that the solidarity that unions show extends beyond the workplace, into the community,” Palko told CTV News.

He says rising costs have left even steady wage-earners stretched thin.

“Our members that we represent here in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Regina, they have full time jobs, and some are using the food bank. That’s why you know with us and national, we’re doing this donation,” said Pat Horbay, president, UFCW Local 248P.

At the food bank, the need continues to climb month after month, but they’re counting on this holiday campaign — their biggest of the year, according to the Executive Director Laurie O’Connor.

“Despite everyone feeling the crunch, for the cost of living, we’re seeing folks come out in droves to already support us in this campaign,” she said.

O’Connor says this $10,000 gift will go a long way. To put it in perspective, it will cover 7,000 1 Litre containers of milk.

“In our food bank program, we’re seeing over 23,000 people a month, probably putting out 8,500 hampers a month and that’s a big strain on our resources,” she said.

They are asking the public to donate the most nutritious food possible. Fourty per cent of the requests at the centre come from children. Baby formula and baby food is also always in need.

On a day built around giving back, for the food bank this contribution is more than a donation — it’s a reminder that community support keeps their doors open and shelves stocked.