Rankin Inlet to open first-ever food bank

ANNETTE BOURGEOIS

People finding it difficult to makes ends meet may get help at Deacon’s Cupboard, a food bank and used clothing centre set to open in Rankin Inlet next month.

“The number of people for the annual Christmas hamper drive is increasing and the requests on the radio seem to have increased,” said Deacon Mike Shouldice of the Church of the Holy Comforter about the need for such a center.

Shouldice said the centre, which will be located in the church building, is another project of the Anglican Family Centre’s fund, also called the Deacon’s Cupboard.

Money from this fund has been used to address several issues in the community, including helping families with travel costs in cases of serious illness or death.

“People are donating now and things are coming in and we’re very involved in organizing that. I think people are most generous in this community.”

Other communities pitching in

Shouldice said the project has received quilts from a British Columbia group and support from churches in Winnipeg and Yellowknife. Organizers will also be approaching local businesses and airline companies for help.

Volunteers from the Anglican Church, as well as the Roman Catholic and Glad Tidings Churches, will operate Deacon’s Cupboard, which is expected to open about 12 hours a week beginning mid-February.

“The idea is that it’ll be limited to staples, to provide basic food items. We’re also seriously considering doing country food.”

And parents will be able to pick up some children’s clothing for as little as 25 cents.

“There’ll be a focus on children’s clothing, so even when times are tough, children will be warmly dressed and fed.”

Deacon Shouldice said eventually he’d like to offer the service to others communities.

“What we’d like to do is be able to respond outside the community of Rankin Inlet. We’d like this to stabilize and grow.”