CARLYLE - For 16 years, Gordon F. Kells High School has held a food drive to support the Carlyle & District Foodbank.
Starting in early December, the student body and their families drop off non-perishable items at the school. After the Christmas holidays, they are delivered.
The Carlyle & District Foodbank serves communities throughout southeast Saskatchewan. Items collected were recently delivered to their new location at Bay 4 - 200 Service Road on the north side of Highway 13. In turn, food baskets are prepared and every month those in need receive their hampers.
Families continue to struggle with economic burdens. On the advice of the local foodbank, this year the high school focused on several items that are considered high priority. These included protein drinks, dried hash browns, laundry and dish soap, powdered and canned milk, oatmeal, pancake mix and canned fruits and vegetables. Hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and toothbrushes are very needed and were generously donated.
For the second consecutive year, Gordon F. Kells honoured past graduating student Kaleb Maxie, who passed away in 2021. The Maxie-McArthur family from White Bear First Nations has been a valued supporter of this student food drive for many years and 2022 was no exception.
GFK teacher Trent Johnson, who together with vice-principal Darcy Howe has been an administrator of this event for many years, thanked all of those that contributed.
“Once again, this year, over 3,000 non-perishable items were donated through our high school program. Thank you to all the students and their families for their efforts,” said Johnson.