In the wake of the devastating fire that consumed Fort McMurray and surrounding areas last week, the Township of Langley is reaching out to the community so residents can work together to make a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbours in Alberta.
The Township will host a community food drive on Friday, May 27, to help the Calgary Food Bank, which the Township is working directly.
Calgary is one of three primary locations receiving evacuees from Fort McMurray and thousands of displaced people who lost their homes in the blaze will need food and provisions for months to come.
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 27, residents and businesses are encouraged to drop off donations of non-perishable food items, bottled water, boxed juice, and toiletries to the following locations:
• Township of Langley Civic Facility in Willowbrook: 20338 – 65 Ave.
• Township of Langley Fire Hall 3 in Aldergrove: 26316 – 30A Ave.
• Township of Langley Fire Hall 8 in Walnut Grove: 9580 – 208 St.
• Township of Langley Fire Hall 6 in Murrayville: 22170 – 50 Ave.
Donations of clothing, toys, and cash will not be accepted at the food drive. To make cash donations, contact the Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111.
The Township will now work with volunteers and partner with organizations in the community to make the food drive a success. If you own a business in the Township of Langley and would like to donate goods or services to the event, contact Val Gafka, Senior Manager of Corporate Administration, at vgafka@tol.ca or 604-532-7305.
Councillor Angie Quaale made the motion to hold the drive during Township council’s May 9 evening meeting, and it was unanimously supported.
“More than 80,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes, and many with just minutes to leave the fires,” Quaale said. “The people of Fort McMurray will need help for many months, as they rebuild their lives after suffering this devastation.”
“People across Canada will be banding together to show their support and do all they can to help,” said Mayor Jack Froese “There are so many generous people and businesses in the Township. This food drive is truly an opportunity for our community to share what we have. We encourage everyone to consider being a part of this goodwill initiative.”