Ponoka town council approved a motion to donate $2,000 to the Ponoka Food Bank during its regular meeting on April 14, to help support those in need during the COVID- 19 crisis.
The meeting was held electronically due to the ongoing pandemic.
The motion was put forward by Mayor Rick Bonnett.
“As we were going through things last week with FCSS it was apparent that the food bank was looking for some extra help and donations,” said Bonnett.
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The funds will come out of the town’s advertising budget, which is allotted for travelling or going to conferences, and as such, is not needed at this time.
“I thought it would be prudent of council to show good faith to our Ponoka and district food bank,” he said.
“We could at least do something good for our local citizens … I think council’s heart is in the right place as we move forward with this.”
Coun. Kevin Ferguson commented that perhaps council should anticipate a larger donation in future if the situation with COVID-19 drags on.
Bonnett responded it could be looked at in future, and perhaps council could challenge other organizations to take part as well.
Coun. Carla Prediger added that Ponoka has a committee that represents the different community groups in town that serves as council’s “check point” as far as community needs.
The motion passed unanimously.
In a town news release, the town and Bonnett encouraged the local community to support the food bank if they can.
Ponoka grocery stores Gord’s No Frills and Hamilton’s IGA are both accepting cash donations for the Ponoka Food Bank, according to the release.
IGA is also offering hampers for purchase to be donated to the Food Bank while No Frills has a large cart at the front of the store to collect food donations.
The Ponoka Food Bank encourages donations of cash and the following non-perishable items: canned vegetables, canned soup, canned meats, Kraft dinner, crackers, non-sugary cereals such as Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies, jam, toilet paper, hand soap and toothpaste.