From left to right: Blairmore Lions Club member Gail Doucette, Crowsnest Pass Food Bank president Joy Hvizdof, Food Bank manager Gabriela Islas, and Blairmore Lions Club president Kurt Weiss pose with a $20,000 donation cheque presented on May 19 at the Blairmore Lions Hall. The funds arrive at a critical time as the food bank faces rising demand and operating costs.
Nicholas L. M. Allen photo
Nicholas L. M. Allen
May 21, 2025
Significant increase in community need prompts generous $20,000 donation
Representatives from the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank met with the Blairmore Lions Club on May 19 at the Lions Hall in Blairmore at 7:30 p.m. on May 19 at the Lions Hall in Blairmore at 7:30 p.m., expressing gratitude as they received a generous donation of $20,000. The funds come at a crucial time as the Food Bank is facing increased demand, rising significantly over recent months.
Gabriela Islas, manager of the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank since October 2024, explained the situation clearly. “We are struggling a bit keeping shelves full. The increase is real. We are having more clients more often,” Islas stated. The number of families accessing the food bank each month has jumped from around 50 to 60 up to 80 to 90.
Highlighting the importance of monetary donations, Islas explained, “Our priority is healthy food, and that’s where the monetary donations become very important. They allow us to purchase fresh fruits, produce, proteins such as meat, cheese, yogurt—items critical to providing nutritious options for our clients.” Bulk purchases enabled by larger donations like this one from the Blairmore Lions Club allow the food bank to negotiate better pricing, thus maximizing their resources.
The food bank spends approximately $6,000 to $7,000 monthly on food alone, along with $12,000 annually on utilities. Delivery charges for bringing donated or discounted food into Crowsnest Pass add significantly to operating costs. These logistical costs underline the importance of local support.
Seasonal increases in demand are anticipated, particularly during summer months when more individuals living transiently in vehicles or trailers require assistance. Additionally, the food bank operates a community garden with 25 beds, some specifically dedicated to sup-porting the food bank directly through fresh produce donations.
Responding to a query regarding volunteer opportunities, food bank representatives noted they currently have 17 active volunteers along with seven board members. However, for specific large-scale projects or unexpected large deliveries, extra hands from community groups could prove beneficial.
The food bank is also actively seeking further support from local industries and businesses, especially after losing a significant donor last year. Community members and businesses interested in supporting or volunteering at the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank are encouraged to contact them directly.
“We’re very happy, very impressed,” Islas concluded, emphasizing the timely nature and immediate impact of the Blairmore Lions Club’s generous contribution.
