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Last updateSat, 21 Sep 2024 12pm

Financial donations up at Stuff the Bus

Stuff the Bus organizer Shannon Wade with volunteers Michael Sweet, Garry Toft and Shane Hillier of The Salvation Army pack away the groceries at Stuff the Bus last Thursday, August 31. mailphoto by Patrick Kolafa

The community showed their support for those in need and was able to Stuff the Bus for The Salvation Army Food bank.

Stuff the Bus was held at the ATB Parking lot on Thursday, August 31. The community came out in droves to support those who use the local food bank.

Organizer of the annual event, Shannon Wade, was heartened by the community support.

“It always seems that the community pulls together and comes out in support,” she said.

Jennifer Hillier of The Salvation Army tells the Mail they were down a little bit in food donations but were able to collect 1,753 pounds of food donations.

They did, however, see a jump in financial contributions and collected $4,209 in donations. This will be matched by Encana up to $3,000.

Hillier says she is grateful for Encana’s contribution, as well as the hard work of Wade and the many volunteers who contributed their time.

She is also grateful to Hi-Way 9 Express, which sponsored a barbecue to raise funds for the food bank.

“It was a great event and as always support from the community was amazing,” said Hillier.

She adds if anyone missed Stuff the Bus and still wants to donate, food donations can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Church or at the donation boxes in local grocery stores. Financial contributions can be dropped at the church or at The Salvation Army Thrift Store.


Freedom of the Town

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The Drumheller Institution marked its 50th anniversary with a Freedom of the Town of Drumheller parade.

A Colour Guard, along with former employees and family paraded from the Badlands Community Facility to the Town of Drumheller Hall on Saturday morning, September 9, to ask for permission to march on the town.

This was part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations that also includes a gala this evening at the Badlands Community Facility.

 

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Guides offers girls opportunities

The First Drumheller Girl Guides offer programs for girls from 5  to 17. mailphoto by Patrick Kolafa

The Girl Guides are an institution that for over 100 years has supported young girls develop and grow.

The Drumheller First Girl Guide has continued that tradition offering programs for young girls from 5 to 17.

Donna Thomas has been with Girl Guides for 34 years. She sees great value in the program.

“I see a lot of girls gaining confidence, becoming independent little women,” said Thomas, who is again a leader with the Sparks. “When you have them for two years in a row, they are shy at first but then they blossom into beautiful young ladies.

Whether it is the way we work with them or just giving confidence.”

She says the guides also have the opportunity to direct their program toward what they feel are areas of interest.

The Guides program offer Sparks, Brownies, Girl Guides, Pathfinders, and Rangers. They typically meet once a week.

One opportunity that could come from the program is international travel.

“The girls have a great opportunity to go on international travel. It is a great three-year project to plan a trip. You learn how to fundraise, and then learn about flights and about technology in other countries,” said Thomas. “The experience of just being out of the country in itself is phenomenal.”

The Drumheller First Girl Guides are also looking for leaders at all levels. Girl Guides is rewarding to leaders as well.

“I can’t say enough about the program, it is for women and for girls. That is why we need leaders to carry on,” said Thomas. “It gives me a sense of accomplishment that I can touch one little life.”

The Girl Guides will be at the Sports Recreation and Arts Expo.


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