By KEVIN BERGER
Though there were still a few days remaining before the deadline for people to submit requests, the chairperson/treasurer of the Martensville Food Pantry (MFP) said last week she expected demand for their Christmas dinner hampers to exceed their usual numbers.
Linda Ward, who co-ordinates the program, said that in 2023 and previous years, they have received about 50 requests for the hampers, which contain the items needed to put on a Christmas dinner (turkey, potatoes, Jell-O, buns, etc.)
As of December 4, she indicated they were already nearing that 50-hamper total and expected to be above that threshold by the Dec. 11 deadline.
In addition to Christmas dinner hampers, demand at the food pantry continues to be high with 20 or more requests coming in each week, Ward said.
Serving residents in Martensville and surrounding communities like Dalmeny and Osler, Ward said the individuals requesting food range from single people to large families with multiple children.
This past week, she said they have also gotten requests from families of three to four adults, referring to parents/caretakers looking after disabled individuals.
In terms of what’s needed for donations, Ward said there is always a demand for children’s snacks — juice boxes, fruit cups, granola bars, etc.
Ward said they also receive relatively few “fresh” food donations, as people are more likely to give non-perishables.
Finally, cash donations are always welcome, and the Martensville Food Pantry can give out receipts for donations of $20 or more.
Those interested in donating to the food pantry can call (306) 280-1255 or e-mail martensvillefoodpantry@gmail.com.
PANCAKES WITH SANTA
After needing the food pantry’ assistance last year, a Martensville resident is helping to raise money for the non-profit with a pancake breakfast this Saturday, December 14.
“Holly Jolly: Pancakes with Santa” will be held at the North Ridge Centennial Community Centre at 901 3rd Street North in Martensville, according to organizer Michelle Whalen.
Breakfast will be served from about 9 to 11 a.m., and from 9 a.m. to noon, there will be vendors on site selling some last-minute Christmas gift items.
The cost to take part in the breakfast is a minimum $5 donation for adults and $3.50 for children, with all proceeds going to the Martensville Food Pantry.
Whalen indicated they can give all the proceeds to the food pantry because of the sponsorship from their vendors, which are effectively paying for the community centre’s rental.
In addition to the breakfast, there will also be an appearance by Santa and Elsa from the Disney musical “Frozen.”
Whalen said the reason she is organizing this fundraiser is because her own family ran into trouble last year when her husband was unemployed for a time.
The Martensville Food Pantry was able to assist Whalen’s family during that difficult period, and now that they are back on their feet, Whalen said she wants to help out the food pantry and other people who may be in a similar situation.