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
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The World Health Organization said on Friday that the current overall public health risk posed by H5N1 bird flu virus is low, but for those with exposure to infected birds or animals the risk of infection is considered low-to-moderate.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.