The Executive Director of the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre says it has been heartwarming to see the hundreds of volunteers coming through their doors during the holiday rush and to hear stories of people wanting to donate their affordability cheques from the province.  Laurie O’Connor understands that the cost of living continues to rise so she is thankful for the donations coming in.

She expects 2023 will be a difficult year, so the hope is to be able to raise a large chunk of their annual budget through their annual holiday fundraising campaign, this year called the Light It Up campaign.  The number of people using the Food Bank has risen to over 20,000 people a month.

O’Connor says, “It has been a tough time in the community, and in all my years at the food bank this is the hardest winter I have seen for people who experience hunger and poverty.”  And yet, she adds that people continue to give, and she thanks everyone for their support.

The Executive Director also points out the organization is more than a food bank with the programs they offer.  For example, there are programs around workplace experience, cooking classes, food literacy, and a community income tax program.   You can donate online or in person at the Food Bank and Learning Centre on Avenue C South.