Every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, Permanent Machine Operator Daniel Kasprowicz can be found unloading the trucks that arrive at the Melville and District Food, stocking shelves with bread and canned goods, and cleaning up the premises. “I do it because some of my friends and family members have needed to use the food bank and I know there is a real need in the community for the services,” says Daniel, who has been volunteering his time at this charity in Melville, SK, for the last two years. “These days, it’s the working poor who come through the doors, trying to make ends meet during tough times.”
Photo: Daniel at the Melville and District Food Bank.
Set up like a grocery store, the food pantry allows patrons to browse the shelves and pick up what they will eat or need, including non-perishable food, fresh fruit and vegetables, diapers, baby formula, and hygiene products. “The approach cuts down on waste because people take only what they can use,” says Daniel. “Plus, we offer cooking classes in our community kitchen as well as budgeting and life skills workshops for people to benefit from.”
CN supports Daniel’s work through the Railroaders in the Community program which provides grants to organizations where employees volunteer their time. The grants the food bank has received have helped to offset its services. “It’s a great feeling to give back to your community in any way you can,” says Daniel. “Even just an hour or two can make a huge difference.”