As need rises from the economic slump, Calgary Food Bank, CBC, Suncor energy and volunteers work together to help those in need

35,000 Albertans working in the oilpatch have lost their jobs this year according to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, 25,000 from the oil services sector and 10,000 from exploration and production, according to the CBC. In an economic crisis that shocked the city, the Calgary Food Bank has had to keep up with demand. With the amount of users rising 23% in the last year, the Food Bank is relying on the outstanding support of volunteers, and the community to continue providing food to those in need.

With the annual CBC/Suncor Energy food drive taking place over the month of December, donations are expected to continue to flow in, despite the conditions plaguing the Calgary area. The usual money raised by the food drive surpasses one million dollars, and CBC food drive organizer, Angela Knight expects no less.

The Food Bank remains optimistic as the year continues and support never falters.

The editor responsible for this article is Ashley Grant, agrant@cjournal.ca