The RM of Gimli tourism department’s musical concerts at the harbour bandstand deliver free weekend entertainment to scores of locals and tourists alike, and the department is encouraging music lovers to bring along a non-perishable food item to the shows in order to help support Gimli’s Evergreen Basic Needs’ food bank.
EBN executive director Karen Bownman said the municipality’s tourism coordinator, Allan Sulyma, thought it would be a good idea to add a Tin-for-the-Bin component to the free concert series after seeing the recent fundraising success for EBN by former Great Big Sea co-founder Sean McCann, who performed in Gimli on a cross-Canada tour.
“It would offer great exposure for Evergreen Basic Needs and what we do in the community, and give that same community an opportunity to help out,” said Bowman.
There will be collection bins set up at the bandstand during the concerts.
Canada’s Food Price Report says overall food prices are expected to increase by 2.8 per cent this year. The researchers who release the study each year predicted an overall increase of 2.5 to 4.5 per cent in 2024, and the actual price change fell either within or below that anticipated increase.
This year’s forecast shows price increases for baked goods, dairy, fruit, meat, vegetables, seafood and other comestibles, resulting in a family of four having to pay about $801 more for food than they did in 2024.
That puts more pressure on food banks to keep up with demand as Canadians continue to struggle with the high cost of food, housing, household bills and economic uncertainty over U.S.-imposed tariffs and job losses.
In its HungerCount 2024 report, Food Banks Canada said there was record-breaking food bank use across Canada. In March 2024 alone, there were over two million food bank visits – the “highest number in history” – and signs that the food-bank system is reaching its limit.
Bowman said donations to EBN tend to decline during the summer despite the continuing need for food assistance continuing.
“Food donations to the EBN Food Bank typically drop off during the summer season. However, the need does not. Hunger doesn’t take a holiday,” she said. “Our numbers show a 22 per cent increase in food bank usage from 2024 to 2025 in the same time frame, so if we can increase the volume of donations we receive, we won’t have to purchase as much food to meet the needs of our clients.”
EBN is in the process of transitioning to a “choice model” for food bank clients in which they can choose what food items they need instead of receiving a ready-made hamper with items they may already have in stock. The new model aims to reduce duplication.
“We anticipate putting in a large order with our local grocery stores so we can get the shelves stocked at the onset. Any donations we receive ahead of that will reduce the cost of what we have to order,” said Bowman. “We would also like to invite any local farmers, market gardeners or backyard enthusiasts who have excess fresh produce to think of the EBN Food Bank. Fresh produce is such a wonderful addition to the diet of our clients, and quite often out of reach for them to purchase.”
The food bank’s Top 10 non-perishable food item wish list includes canned meat (chicken, tuna, ham and turkey) canned fruit, canned beans, canned vegetables, pasta sauce, 1 litre juices, canned stew and cereal.
“These items allow us to provide balanced diet options for our clients and help make food security a goal for everyone,” said Bowman. “We also have clients who have special dietary requirements – gluten free, diabetic – so items that fit restricted diets are welcome as well.”
In addition to a food collection bin at the bandstand, Gimli Sobey’s and Gimli Red River Co-op also have collection bins.
The Rockin’ Gimli Harbour Concert Series showcases some of Manitoba’s best musical talents. Most concerts at held at the harbour bandstand with one at the Gimli Park Pavilion.
The line-up is as follows: Leddwyn July 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Main Street Exiles & Ramble Tamble July 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Art Galdu & Deputy Band July 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Pop Vegas Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m.; The InClines Patsy in the Park Aug. 16 at noon at Gimli Park Pavilion Stage; The Pugs Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Mother Groove & Dreams & Rumours Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.; For Those About to Rock with Rattlesnake Suitcase Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.; and The Goods Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
There will be no rockin’ performances on July 26 and Aug. 2 during the Gimli International Film Festival and the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, respectively.
