Four community organizations are receiving financial support from the local retired educators association. (RTOERO District 35)
A total of $4,200 is going to the Dryden Food Bank, Red Lake Family Food Bank/Indian Friendship Centre, Ignace Food Bank and Sioux Lookout Out of the Cold Shelter.
Dryden Food Bank Manager Al Huckaby says the $1,500 they received will be put towards expansion of their current building, to help meet the growing demand for service, as well more warehouse space to accommodate a new freezer.
Future investments are also being made on accessing and storing the food.
A spokesperson with District 35 says they changed their timing of donations to this time of year in response to the a growing trend of people in need because of COVID.
They note because they had less activities happening in our organization during the pandemic, they had a surplus of money and giving back to these groups was an easy decision to make.
RTOERO is a national organization for retired educators and everybody working in the education community, including teachers, education assistants, clerical, custodians, maintenance, bus drivers, early years, and Board offices.
Breakdown of funding:
-Dryden Food Bank: $1,500
-Out of the Cold Sioux Lookout: $1,000
-Red Lake Family Food Bank/Indian Friendship Centre: $1,000
-Ignace Food Bank: $700