In the Beginning...
Good Neighbours Food Centre (GNFC) originally opened as the Rosthern District Food Bank (RDFB) on October 22, 2011. Started by the Rosthern Ministerial Association, the goal of RDFB was to identify needs in the community and meet them in a tangible way. Motivated by a desire to be compassionate and caring towards all, RDFB sought to help provide basic food aid for all those in need within a 50 km radius of the community of Rosthern, SK.
RDFB initially operated out of the Rosthern Seniors Centre, but moved to 612 Railway Avenue on December 1, 2011. At that time, a team of dedicated volunteers worked to provide food aid to 10-15 households per week. Over the years, the need for food aid grew. In 2017, more than 30 volunteers were providing food aid to over 40 households per week - nearly 700 individuals per month. RDFB had outgrown the Railway Avenue location, necessitating a move to a new site.
RDFB initially operated out of the Rosthern Seniors Centre, but moved to 612 Railway Avenue on December 1, 2011. At that time, a team of dedicated volunteers worked to provide food aid to 10-15 households per week. Over the years, the need for food aid grew. In 2017, more than 30 volunteers were providing food aid to over 40 households per week - nearly 700 individuals per month. RDFB had outgrown the Railway Avenue location, necessitating a move to a new site.
Let the Demolition Begin!
|
The Vision Starts to Take ShapeOn February 28, 2017, RDFB was incorporated and became owners of the adjacent building (formerly the Valley News Building). Extensive renovations were completed throughout 2017 with the incredible support of donors and volunteers.
|
Thank You!!!
The new building was generously gifted by founding volunteers, Wilmer and Barb Froese.
The New Space
|
The new multipurpose centre opened to clients in November, 2017, and consisted of a larger food bank, a modern kitchen and a large versatile room that could serve as a dining room, classroom, meeting room, market space and much more!
|
|
Helping Hands
Volunteers have always been the beating heart and helping hands of GNFC. Over the years, the initial team of 4 volunteers has grown to more than 50 volunteers from many neighboring communities. GNFC also partners with a number of community organizations for programming and food distribution including area schools, churches, Valley Employment, Valley Action Abilities in Rosthern, and Christian Horizons in Waldheim. Volunteer resource persons and a pastoral team are available on-site each Friday to help clients with resumes and employment opportunities, provide counselling, support, and information about additional services available in the community.
|
|
Good Neighbours Food Centre
|
With more than 1000 client visits every month, GNFC continues to provide emergency food aid each Friday. Additional programming includes community gardens, community meals, collective kitchens, market days, student-senior partnerships, fresh food drives, increased fresh food recovery and more. GNFC is forever grateful to all of our volunteers, donors and granting partners. These programs would not be possible without your continued generous support. Together we WILL change lives by building a food secure community! |
