Members of the Bert Church High School graduating class recently donated $1,000 to the Airdrie Food Bank.
Derek Harasiuk and Meagan Sutherland presented the money to the food bank on June 8. The funds were raised at the school’s aftergrad on May 27.
“We knew we would have some money left over and we decided we wanted to give it to the food bank because it is a worthwhile cause. It is very important to give back in Airdrie because everyone grew up here,” said Harasiuk. “Some people in Airdrie are in need and it is there for a good reason.”
Caroline Geertsen, client manager with the Airdrie Food Bank, said the money will go a long way to help those in need.
“It is so great that younger people are stepping up and showing community support,” she said.
“They are helping those less fortunate and teens don’t always get the credit they deserve. Seeing them do this is enlightening. It changes the way you think about the younger generation.”
Lori McRitchie, executive director of the food bank, agreed.
“We are so impressed with these kids,” she said.
“It is something they did on their own and we are thrilled about it.”
The money will be used to purchase fresh food for the hampers provided by the food bank.
Geertsen said the donation will be very helpful since demand for food bank services is increasing. Last month, the food bank gave out a record 122 hampers. Hamper numbers usually average about 80 to 90 per month.
Harasiuk said he wanted to make sure the community knows that everyone in the graduating class contributed to the donation.
“Donating is so worthwhile and such a great thing to do,” he said.
“You can make such a big difference in someone’s life without a lot of effort. We take things for granted and it is nice to help others who need it.”
