Pictured above: Wabasca Counselor and Lions Club member, Darlene Jackson, received the Wabasca Northern store bicycle donation.

The entire community of Wabasca, AB has banded together to keep the community food bank stocked so it can help those who need it most during a difficult time.

The Wabasca Food Bank has been busier than ever due to the pandemic, leading them to call out for extra support. Wabasca-Desmarais Lions Club heard the call and came up with the idea of holding an online auction as a Covid-friendly way to raise funds.

Several organizations have joined this noble cause to provide support, including Bigstone group (Community Wellness, Health Commission, Band store), Family Community Support, the RCMP and Wabasca Home Hardware to name a few, as well as some community members. Prize donations poured in, such as a gas grill, portable inverter generator, TV, portable bluetooth speaker, Nintendo game system, camping gear, golf equipment, hockey jerseys, paintings, jewelry and gift cards.

Wabasca Northern Store Manager Rob McKinley supports the food bank throughout the year and was very happy to help the Lions Club once again by donating two bicycles for the online auction.

“We are a big supporter of the local Food Bank and Lions Club. We always help out in any way we can,” said McKinley. “2020 was one of the biggest years; we were able to assist the community, thanks in part to Second Harvest. We have given a lot of food support to many families and I hope to continue helping in 2021 because there are a lot of families struggling to get by right now.”

Wabasca-Desmarais Lions Club has held the auction through its Facebook page Wabasca Lions Club Auction/Fundraiser. The auction began on April 2 and runs until April 16, with bidding closing at 6:59 p.m. The Bigstone Group of companies will be matching whatever funds are raised.