RICK BULLOCK, GAZETTE CONTRIBUTOR
The first-ever F.P. Walshe school Thanksgiving food drive last September was a huge success thanks to the amazing kind and caring citizens of Fort Macleod and area.
We filled a 16-foot cube van with more than 330 bags and boxes of food.
Christopher Saprikin, the director of the food bank, was very appreciative.
“It helped carry us through the fall and Christmas season, and into the opening months of the New Year,” Saprikin said. “I want to assure you, and everyone involved that the food does stay to serve the clients of Fort Macleod.”
This year F.P. Walshe students will deliver donation bags to all Fort Macleod homes the afternoon of Wednesday. Oct. 1 and pick up those bags with your donations of non-perishable food items the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 2.
All middle school students and as many high school students as possible will be involved.
This project meets so many needs at so many levels, and we hope that citizens will step up as they did last year.
We certainly understand how significant this project is for those in need.
We also are excited about the unity this project can foster in our community as we work together to take care of one another.
Certainly, the research is clear about the value of service for our youth — that of connection, resilience and feelings of self-worth.
So, expect a donation bag to be hung on your doorknob.
Please give what you can and leave your bag in a visible spot near your front door by noon on Thursday, Oct. 2.
Give our students a high-five, and a warm greeting if you see them.
If we miss you or you live outside of town, please drop off any donations at F.P. Walshe school Oct. 1-3. We also invite businesses to get involved.
If you have questions or could help us by driving a food pick-up vehicle on Thursday afternoon, please call the school at 403-553-4411 or Rick Bullock at 403-330-8270.
Thanks so much. Fort Macleod is a great place to live and grow together.
(Rick Bullock is the F.P. Walshe Service Club advisor.)
