HUMBOLDT — A tradition of giving continued as the Humboldt Good Neighbour Store disbursed $300,000 to 44 local charities and non-profits.
Since 1992, the store has given away almost $3.46 million.
“It took as the first 19 years in operation to give away just over $1 million,” said Maureen Doetzel, the chair of the store’s board. “In the last seven years we have donated over $2 million, which just shows you how much our store has grown.”
Doetzel said it’s the store’s approximately 170 active volunteers that made the Dec. 2 disbursement ceremony at the Bella Vista Inn possible.
“I have been asked many times about our success and I can sum it up by saying we get a lot of donations, the shoppers are plentiful but it’s the volunteers who are behind the scenes that make things happen,” she said, who also highlighted the role of the store’s board and co-ordinator.
Donna Muench, with St. Mary’s Villa, highlighted the volunteers when giving her thanks
“As many of us non-profit organizations know, recruiting volunteers is not always easy these days. You should all be commended for your service to your community.”
Muench said the money will be used for the residents, for items like track lifts and specialty mattress.
The store’s board first looks to give money to hospitals and care homes. After that, the board starts to look at libraries and other organizations.
“There are several things that we’re going to be able to purchase with this donation this year,” said Lorrie Bunko, the executive director of the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation.
She said the largest priority for the foundation is buying a rhinolaryngoscope to examine noses and larynxes. Right now, people are sent to Saskatoon for a simple procedure.
Ray Whitton, the executive director of Futuristic Industries, wasn’t just thankful for the donation, but to the work experience the store gives to some of his clients.
“Your donation will go a long way towards providing tools within our workshop so that we can make some of the beautiful products that you see in our showroom.”
Clayton Parobec, the principal of Humboldt Public School, said his organization will use the money to give more than 300 students a snack.
“Every morning, after first recess, we provide a multi-food group snack to every single child in our building,” he said. “We have for many, many years and as you can imagine, it gets costly.”
The 44 non-profits the received money included care homes, libraries, schools, seniors and community centres, and various hobby organizations.
