STONEY NAKODA – Joining forces to support the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society, the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino is partnering with the Prairie Toyota Dealers to host a drive-in movie fundraiser.
Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino general manager Tom Dimitriou said the Prairie Toyota Dealers “Reels on Wheels” Tour will be a one-of-a-kind event for the Cochrane and area community.
On Sunday (Sept. 6), guests can gather at the parking lot of the Stoney Nakoda Casino to watch the drive-in movie Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins around 8:30 p.m.
“It’s the most recent Star Wars that's out there – we’re keeping with the times,” Dimitriou said. “It’s the type of movie that the entire family can enjoy.”
He added that if the movie proves to be successful, the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino is considering making it a more regular event.
The area is the perfect location for a drive-in, he said, because guests can enjoy the sunset over the mountains before the movie begins.
For those looking to make the most of the evening, Dimitriou said they will be able to stock up on movie snacks before the start of the movie at a concession provided by the casino. Washroom facilities will be provided onsite and vehicles will be socially distanced.
Tickets for the drive-in are by donation, with a suggested amount of $20 per car, Dimitriou said. All proceeds raised during the event will go towards supporting the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society.
Food security is a basic need, he said, adding it can be a constant struggle for some vulnerable populations.
“It’s been a real challenge worldwide with regards to COVID and you have people who are worried about health and in particular seniors and individuals that have health issues – they can’t always necessarily get out to the store,” Dimitriou said. “On the other side of the coin, you have people who are not necessarily 100 per cent back to work because of COVID.”
These situations make it critical to support the food bank so it can fill in the gaps for people in need.
It is inspiring to see the drive-in come to the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino, said Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society co-president Garry Tether, because it will help to raise awareness and funds for the food bank.
“I grew up going to drive-in movies,” Tether said. “They’re always fun.”
There are many reasons to support the local food bank, he said, explaining that it plays an important role in the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
“There’s a fair bit of poverty on the reserve and there’s also a lot of people where the only income they have is social security,” Tether said. “Those are the people that we support.”
The Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank works to supplement the diets of those that use its services by providing fresh food, vegetables, fruits and proteins.
The experience of COVID-19 for the food bank has been one of ups and downs, Tether said. At times demand has been higher than what is typically see, and at other times the demand has dropped significantly.
In the past, funding for the food bank has been received through the Stoney organization Minithni, which distributes funds from the casino. All of the funds for the organization disappeared in March when the casino shut down due to COVID-19 public health regulations.
“All of our funding dried up completely, like 100 per cent,” Tether said. “We’ve been fundraising to meet our budget for the year – this event is going to be quite helpful.”
The drive-in has been sponsored by the Prairie Toyota Dealers, Tether said, adding that he appreciates their grace in allocating the donations from the movie to the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society.
Tether added he hopes Cochranites and neighbouring communities use the drive-in as an opportunity to learn more about the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
“I’m certain most people don’t know we have a food bank here,” Tether said. “There is a lot of need – we would really like to raise awareness of the food bank.”
