‘I’M GRATEFUL’
After 34 years, the Glace Bay Food Bank has a new co-ordinator.
There is a significant change at the Glace Bay Food Bank for the first time in 34 years — coordinator Sandra McPherson has retired.
“This was Sandra’s baby, she started the food bank 34 years ago,” said Dave MacKeigan, a member of the board of directors.
“She was there when the first can of soup was brought in. She developed it all these years into what it is today.”
However, MacKeigan is pleased that McPherson is staying on as a volunteer and is taking on the position of chair of the Glace Bay Food Bank Society.
Michelle Kalbhenn of New Waterford has been hired as the new co-ordinator.
Kalbhenn said she’s grateful to McPherson for her assistance and is happy she is maintaining a connection with the organization.
“Without her support I would not be where I am,” she said. “I’m grateful for all her continued support.”
Kalbhenn has previously worked in convenience stores, call centres and in retail. Two years ago, she went back to school hoping to improve life for herself and her daughter Madison, now 14 years old.
In June Kalbhenn graduated with a diploma in social services from the Nova Scotia Community College Marconi Campus. “I like working with people.” Kalbhenn completed two work placements at the Glace Bay Food Bank and volunteered there once a week.
“It wasn’t long after I started coming here, I knew it was the right place to go,” adding she was shocked by the need she observed at the food bank.
“I was really blown away actually when I saw how many people use the services,” she said. “It’s the numbers of people
coming through the door and the numbers are climbing.”
There are 55-60 hot meals served each day and on busy weeks from 125150 grocery orders are filled.
Kalbhenn said even people with minimum wage jobs often have trouble making ends meet.
“It’s heartbreaking. The numbers of people using the service it’s eye-opening. Not everyone comes to eat either, some come to socialize which is awesome. I’ll sit there and have conversations with pretty much everyone who comes in.”
Kalbhenn is the only permanent staff member however grants provide funding for a cook, a garden co-ordinator and four summer students.
Kalbhenn isn’t planning on making changes anytime soon but through a grant from Feed Nova Scotia, volunteers are painting the interior of the building.
“It’s important to have it comfortable and welcoming for everybody.”
McPherson said for 34 years the food bank has been “a labour of love” but she decided to retire because she is tired.
“I felt it was time for someone younger to get in there,” she said.
McPherson explained that Sonny Wadman first started the food bank and she was with him when the first can of food was put on the shelves.
“It was his project, I just helped move it along as well as a lot of other people,” she said.
“When he passed away that was his desire to see it continue on and that’s mine now.
“I will still be around a bit (as board chair) and will help the co-ordinator any way that I can.”