The spirit of Westlock was on full display last week with a number of people and organizations stepping up to help out two very important causes — the Westlock and District Food Bank and a local family whose lives were forever changed after a bout with a rare illness.
Last month the food bank found themselves in a dire position with less than $2,000 in the bank —they were unsure whether operations would even be able to continue into the fall.
After hearing the call for help the Westlock Elks and the local Boston Pizza answered by donating $2,000 and $3,000, respectively. Food bank representatives also attended Westlock County council on July 28 and were able to secure $1,000 per month in funding for the last six months of the year.
It’s not enough money to keep the food bank going forever, but it keeps a valuable community service alive for people who desperately need the help. The volunteers who run the food bank don’t make a dime and do it purely out of the want to help those in need.
Melissa and Andrea Nickerson, a local family affected by a rare illness that has left young Andrea in a wheelchair, also received a helping hand.
The Elks once again stepped up and donated $7,330 towards the fund to purchase a wheelchair van for Andrea. The family also did its own fundraising and received $20,000 in donations from an online campaign.
For the Nickerson family it’s a case where the unthinkable happened and a family was left in a vulnerable position.
Nobody is forced to reach out and lend a helping hand, but people choose to.
It’s easy to turn a blind eye, but it takes effort to get involved.
The food bank it an organization that has been around in the community for 30 years now and feeds on average over 400 people per month. Demand grows each and every day due to economic conditions and the soaring cost of food.
Simply put, Westlock should be proud that it has demonstrated the true meaning of community.
In a day and age where the bad seems to outweigh the good, we’re always pleased to hear about those who continue to positively impact the community.
