By Taylor Chartrand

Basics for Babies aims to support families in need

May 23, 2019 | 11:43 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A fundraiser for the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank is currently underway to support low-income parents in our community.

The third annual ‘Basics for Babies’ campaign started at 5:30 this morning at Mr. Lube on Kingsway Avenue.

Residents are encouraged to drop off cash donations and diapers for the Food Bank.

“We’re asking people to bring down diapers and cash for the residents of Medicine Hat who might need a little bit of an extra hand up this summer,” said Director of the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank, Celina Symmonds. “As costs go up, families are needing more child care and more help with food over the summer.”

Symmonds says although the Food Bank is always grateful for every donation, this event is aimed specifically towards diapers and cash donations.

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“Right now, we’re asking for diapers and cash because often times things like formula and those kinds of things can go bad and have expiry dates. This way, we can buy what we need, as we need it.” 

In addition to the donations being accepted outside of the building, $10 from every oil change at Mr. Lube will be donated to the initiative.

“The food bank gives out fifty-thousand-plus diapers per year and that doesn’t include other needs like baby food, wipes and formula for young families in need,” said Mr. Lube owner, Chris Hellman. “So, just recognizing that huge need for our community and an opportunity here to do something about it once a year and help alleviate some of that pressure on the food bank.”

As of 9:30 this morning, Hellman says they raised over $4,000.

“We’re hoping to hit $20,000 this year,” he said. “That would be a big help for the food bank. Hopefully the weather holds up and the donations keep flowing in.”

Donations will be accepted until 6:00.