Martensville has seen considerable population growth over the years, and with the rise in the number of residents within the community, also comes the need for more support. In 2016, the Martensville Free Pantry was created, and since then, this non-profit organization has helped put food and hygiene products in the homes of many families within Martensville and the surrounding communities.
It is thanks to the dedication of volunteers, and contributions from individuals, organizations and businesses that the Martensville Free Pantry continues to be a successful option for those in need of a little extra support from time to time.
This Easter proved how successful this organization is after contributions from A&W and Nienhuis Contracting, along with a group of volunteers made it possible for a total of 17 hampers to go out which fed 68 people and brought Easter treats to six local seniors. Martensville A&W donated $500 to go towards food and other items, and Nienhuis Contracting donated a turkey for each of the hampers.
Donations such as this help bring more awareness to the organization and the MFP volunteers could not be more grateful for all of the support they have received from the community. “It is so incredible and it continues to amaze me how much we have grown because we are getting the support of the community. With that support, we are getting more visibility, which means we regularly have more people contacting us looking to get hampers made,” Adrian explained.
According to Adrian, the shelves within the MFP are now looking bare following such a big week and they are low on all supplies. “If you are shopping, or have unexpired non-perishable items, please consider dropping them off in our collection boxes located at the Co-op, the Martensville Athletic Pavilion and City Hall,” Adrian said. Donations can also be made by e-transfer to martensvillefreepantry@gmail.com and Hunger Bags can be purchased at Martensville Co-op. Drop off times for large donations through food drives can be arranged by emailing the MFP.
The Martensville Free Pantry is located within the Civic Centre at 37 Centennial Drive South and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30am-5:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am-7:30pm and Saturday from 9:30am-2:30pm. If you are in need of a food hamper, contact the MFP by noon on Tuesday each week in order to receive a hamper by pickup time on Wednesday’s at 1pm.
