Editor: At this time of year, when families and friends gather and tables are groaning with the weight of seasonal feasts, we give thanks for the blessings in our lives. We at the weekly Food & Friends held at St.
Editor:
At this time of year, when families and friends gather and tables are groaning with the weight of seasonal feasts, we give thanks for the blessings in our lives.
We at the weekly Food & Friends held at St. Michael's Anglican Church in Canmore every Monday night would also like to give thanks for the blessings in ours - primarily, our community. Every week we feed 100 to 140 people who have want or need - be it money, time or friendship.
These range from isolated or financially strapped seniors who love the chance to go out for dinner once a week and connect with old friends, to young families whose time and paycheques never quite stretch far enough, to the homeless and those on social assistance who need a hot, nutritious meal in their bellies once a week.
Many in our community have stepped up to help us make this magical little event happen. The generosity of JK Bakery and Farm Box allows us to put fresh artisan bread on the table each week and fresh organic produce in our salads, soups and stews. The Bow Valley Food Bank provides some grant funding and allows us to raid their shelves when they have too much of a good thing or donations that will expire before they are able to distribute all that they have.
To date, we have served over 7,500 dinners since the program started in March 2013.
Our volunteers range from indefatigable 86-year-old Pat Grayling wielding her ice cream scoop behind the dessert table to the members of many congregations in Canmore who take their turn setting up tables, taking down tables and washing mountains of pots, pans, plates and cutlery, and the kids from Our Lady of the Snows who do all of the above when it's their turn in the rotation.
And a huge shout-out of thanks goes to the Canmore Eagles, whose strapping young players have now taken their turn in the rotation to help with the serving, heavy lifting, mopping and dishwashing.
It truly is a community effort, and a heart-swelling, life-affirming reminder that we are, in fact, our brother's keepers. For those of us working to make this happen, the Christmas spirit of giving happens all year round, thanks to you.
Sean Krausert/Carol Picard,
On behalf of all of the volunteers at the Community Food and Friends
