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
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
"It's a bit of a complicated pattern; we've got a lot going on," said Jennifer Smith of the Meteorological Service of Canada in an interview with CTVNews.ca on Wednesday. "[As is] typical with weather, all of these things are related."
Police tangle with students in Texas and California as wave of campus protest against Gaza war grows
Police tangled with student demonstrators in Texas and California while new encampments sprouted Wednesday at Harvard and other colleges as school leaders sought ways to defuse a growing wave of pro-Palestinian protests.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.