Another successful Charity Check stop for local emergency services last Thursday, Dec. 14.

The annual event collected donations of non-perishable food, toys, and money for the Okotoks Food Bank and Rowan House Women's Emergency Shelter.

Kelly Stienwand, Okotoks Municipal Enforcement Manager says the Charity Check Stop received phenomenal support from the community.

"I'm extremely impressed with the giving nature of our community, what a great town we have here," he says. "We raised $7,528 in cash donations and four truck loads of food went out. It was such a great event and everyone who participated in the event was overwhelmed by the great attitude we had from our community, and the way people just showed up and contributed to this really good fundraising event."

The check stop included members of the military, Fire Services, the MD of Foothills, Peace Officers, and RCMP along with Sparky the Fire Dog and the Safety Bear.

Stienwand says everyone involved had a lot of fun interacting with people on the road.

"We even had a school bus stop and reach out and hand us food through the window, so it was great for the kids to see that event occurring and we sure appreciated everyone's support."

Local emergency services have hosted the Charity Check Stop for 11 years, Stienwand says he's looking forward to many more.

"It's the time of year when we're all reminded of family, some of the good fortune that we share and contributing to these really important community programs. I think it means a lot to everyone and we'll be doing this in the future years for sure."

 

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