Magrath grocery initiative raises funds for food pantry

In Magrath, Alberta, a grocery store employee is inspiring local children to help their community. Emily Coomes, the manager at Rooster’s Country Marketplace, was influenced by a childhood project about safety. She wanted to share that spirit of giving with the next generation. Coomes's boss, Jay Mackenzie, wanted to raise funds for the local Community Food Pantry, managed by a disability support service called SASH. Coomes proposed an idea that involved elementary school students. They purchased paper bags for the kids to decorate and sold them for $2 each. About 500 students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 6 participated. Every decorated bag was sold, raising over $800 for the food pantry. Mackenzie rounded this amount up to a $1,000 donation. James Price, from SASH, highlighted the importance of having local access to food, especially for those who can't travel to larger centers. Students felt proud to contribute. Liam Stanford, a school student, expressed their happiness about helping with food hampers. School principal Julie Gilson emphasized teaching children the value of community support from a young age. Everyone involved hopes this fundraising event will become an annual tradition, encouraging ongoing support for local needs.