Volunteers at the Okotoks Food Bank were treated to an appreciation lunch on April 17.
The lunch came during National Volunteer Week as a chance for food bank staff to thank volunteers for their dedication and commitment.
“We rely very heavily on our volunteers to do everything from sorting produce and donations to welcoming our clients when they come into the building,” said Char Hansma, volunteer and event co-ordinator.
She said that with 155 people volunteering their time at the food bank, "we could not really function without them.”
Special events like the appreciation lunch go a long way towards building a community of volunteers, she added.
“We are so glad to be able to meet in person and thank our volunteers with the meal, and some volunteer appreciation gifts, and gather together some of the volunteers who have never met each other,” Hansma said.
Hansma has been with the food bank since 2021 and said the organization has added at least 60 volunteers since she started.
“We are busier than ever, so glad to have more people come on board to help out our community,” she said.
“We have a very giving community, both in volunteerism, and in donations (and) giving.”
