The Redtail Community Foundation was excited to hold its first Employee Team Volunteer Event at the Airdrie Food Bank on November 29. Six employees of White Tail Automation and Crimson Engineering sorted food to be used in hampers for clients of the food bank.
We worked our way through 5 pallets of donations in 2.5 hours. The main task was to check every single donated item for expiration dates, and “file” accordingly. Although working, we managed to laugh and have some fun in the process (and refreshments afterwards).
With current covid restrictions around volunteering and groups sizes, we were grateful to the Airdrie Food Bank for allowing us to go in after hours to do our part. It receives 75 – 80% of its annual donations in the time leading up to Christmas every year, so the need is immediate. 2020 Airdrie Food Bank Facts
- It received over 247,000 pounds of food through community donations.
- It received over 472,000 pounds of food from retail donations.
- It provided over 3200 food hampers to those in the community of Airdrie.
- 44% of its clients were children.
Yet another unfortunate side effect of covid has been an increase in the need for the food bank, while rules and restrictions around social gatherings make it more difficult to arrange volunteer groups. The food bank relies heavily on volunteerism to help sort and organize food donations, in order to get it on the shelves for hampers for those in need in the community.
Because the Foundation wants to support charitable organizations that are meaningful to White Tail Automation and Crimson Engineering employees, and to which they show personal time commitment, it will also make a cash donation to the Airdrie Food Bank, representing the hours worked.
The ownership and management are excited to support their employees and communities, and are looking forward to more team events in the future.
