Calgary Food Bank gets huge boost in food, cash donations

A Ramadan food drive garnered much-needed supplies for the Calgary Inter-faith Food Bank.

On Friday, Ismaili CIVIC Annual Ramadan Food Drive volunteers delivered more than 1,540 kilograms of fresh and non-perishable food items, over $2,500 in cash donations, and 100 homemade cloth face masks for the health and safety of food bank workers and volunteers.

Undeterred by the pandemic, the volunteers adjusted their food drive strategy this Ramadan, resulting in donations that are more impactful for food bank clients and front-line workers.

“We are truly grateful for this year’s Ismaili CIVIC food drive initiative. Their food donations will provide immediate relief for Calgarians experiencing food insecurity and their cash donations give us the flexibility to put those dollars where we need them most,” said Avaleen Streeton, food bank food industry co-ordinator.

“With the continued support of our valued community members, we will be able to ensure that no one goes hungry for the weeks and months to come.”

The food bank also accepted a donation last week of $21,000 from two local businesses that partner to raise money for those suffering the most during the pandemic. JAN-PRO Cleaning Systems joined forces with accounting firm Achen Henderson to make the donation.

The money from JAN-PRO is from its proprietary Enviroshield disinfection system being used by Calgary companies deemed essential services during the pandemic.

“Our staff and franchise community have got behind it, and now our staff is also starting a food drive campaign by themselves,” said JAN-PRO president Bruce Weaver.

To maximize the donation, JANPRO partnered with Achen Henderson, which donated 100 per cent of its base filing fee from each new personal tax return it filed this year. “We found a neat way for our customers to participate in doing something good for the community. All the team was fully on board,” said Clayton Achen, partner at Achen Henderson.