It’s been a lucky month for Interlake Food Bank, which is benefiting from the proceeds of another contest prize.
Recently, the local food bank received $2,000 in Kraft Heinz products after Stonewall Red River Co-op food store won a contest.
Now the Interlake Food Bank has received a $5,000 cheque from Sobeys after Stonewall Family Foods customer Jennifer Hebert won another contest.
Through the Community Cash contest, customers in participating stores across the country had a chance to win a $500 shopping for themselves plus $5,000 for a local food bank. Six winners were randomly selected from across Canada — and Hebert was one of them.
Hebert saw the ad in the Family Foods flyer for the contest, which ran from Jan. 11 to 31. She entered online, selecting Stonewall Family Foods as her home store.
“I enjoy entering contests — and who wouldn’t like $500 to spend on groceries and $5,000 to donate to a food bank?” said Hebert, who is from St. Laurent.
“I received an email from a representative from Sobeys congratulating me that I was one of six lucky winners across Canada that had won $500 to go towards groceries and $5,000 to a local food bank. It felt fantastic to win and I’m very grateful. It made my day.”
She decided to direct the donation to the Interlake Food Bank.
“They serve areas that are missed a lot of the time. There is a need to help the smaller communities that struggle with food scarcity, are off the radar and go unnoticed,” Hebert said.
“I knew that $5,000 would go a long way for them as I’m sure they probably don’t receive such large donations. It feels great and I am grateful that I could be part of paying it forward.”
With her $500 shopping spree, Hebert decided to share even more of her winnings.
“I gave two of the $100 gift cards away to share my gift,” she said. “The $300 remaining went towards filling up my fridge.”
For Hebert, her go-to grocery store continues to be Stonewall Family Foods.
“Stonewall Family Foods is my Family Foods of choice. It’s a great store, amazing selection, great service and wonderful people,” she said.
“Thanks to Sobeys and Family Foods for organizing this contest. I’ll be entering again next year.”
Stonewall Family Foods owner Kristle Snell shared her thoughts on giving back.
“When we’re part of the community, we learn about shared values and beliefs,” she said.
“We also learn about our history and culture — to which, as we know, Stonewall has so much to offer. This community has a great reputation for lending a helping hand where and whenever needed.”
Karen Chaboyer co-chairs the Interlake Food Bank with her husband Mike. The food bank currently assists about 45 families with monthly hampers, and the need continues to rise.
With the $5,000 donation, they plan to stock up on items from Stonewall Family Foods and other local stores that support the food bank.
“I’ll put it towards things they don’t usually get. I bought hamburger meat and margarine too,” Chaboyer said through tears. “It’s pretty amazing.”
