Help wanted: Calgary Food Bank seeks more volunteers
The Calgary Food Bank has no shortage of food on its shelves right now but what it does need, however, is volunteers.
"We are great for food and funds, the community is so generous," says Shawna Ogsten, spokesperson for the Calgary Food Bank, "but we really need the bodies on the ground to help us deliver the food."
Ogsten says the new year brings busy months for the food bank, even after the holiday rush.
"We always see a continued stream in January and February," she said. "Hunger doesn't go away after Christmas, unfortunately expenses are still carrying on."
Even as demand keeps growing, the pandemic is putting a strain on resources.
The food bank depends on volunteers to operate and many of them are stuck at home, isolating because of COVID-19.
Normally, the bank is able to hand out 500 food hampers a day. Right now, that number is closer to 400 because of a staff shortage.
Jenna Holloway, a University of Calgary student, volunteers at the food bank every weekend. She hopes more people will join her.
"I really wanted to give back to the community, especially in the middle of the pandemic," she said. "It's so rewarding, especially coming here and seeing all the people that need the support."
Right now, the food bank is increasing its operating hours because of high demand.
It is now open on Saturdays, as well as the rest of the week, for hamper distribution.
It's also extending its hours on Friday for people who need to pick up food later in the day.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A man was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.