The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
When we hear the word "poverty," we may not always think of our own backyard. Yet while our community is fertile with well-paying jobs, poverty is not only here in Flin Flon, it's on the rise. The Lord's Bounty Food Bank has had nearly 80 new clients sign up in 2005. Just since October 1, the number of people fed has shot up 64 per cent. November was the busiest month ever. Such figures are dispiriting. It's heartwarming to see so many big-hearted residents think of the Food Bank. I thought it was fantastic when students from Hapnot Collegiate spent last Halloween night collecting not candy for themselves, but food for the needy. Now a number of holiday drives are underway to collect food, and all those involved are to be commended. Their efforts are uplifting, but the sad reality is that it's never enough. The Lord's Bounty volunteers endure a constant struggle to keep their shelves full. And Food Distribution Chairman Dennis Hydamaka expects the holiday season to be incredibly busy. Even if the Food Bank makes it through December in good shape, there's always January, February and so on. The need doesn't go away. I know the Lord's Bounty volunteers would love nothing more than to go out of business. Their clients, too, hope for a day when that trip to the Food Bank isn't necessary. Yet we are where we are. Food banks, I was somewhat surprised to hear, are the subject of some criticism. Basically, the argument goes that they create dependency and may serve as a deterrent for people to improve their situations, to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. I don't know if that's true. Lord's Bounty has had success stories in its 14 years, people who have landed on their feet and come back to the Food Bank not as recipients, but donors. In any event, my only concern is that our less fortunate Ð including the 50 per cent of clients who are children Ð don't go hungry. So where am I going with this? Well, I'd like to issue a challenge to Flin Flon, Creighton and area to make this a record-breaking holiday season for Food Bank donations. Next time you're at the grocery store, think of the needy. If you have a bit of money to spare (I know the holidays are expensive), consider setting some aside. The Food Bank receives no government funding, so it's up to us to ensure its viability. They say a community is only as strong as its weakest link. Let's work together to make sure all Flin Flon area residents have that most basic of basics Ð food on the table. Local Angle runs Fridays.12/12/05
