CANORA – “People are one pay cheque away from homelessness.”
Pastor Mavis Watson, volunteer administrator at Filling the Gap Food in Canora, says this is not just a clever saying anymore, it’s actually happening here in Canora. And for some families with a regular pay cheque, that’s still not enough to cover their needs in this time of runaway inflation.
When asked what are the biggest needs at Filling the Gap right now, Watson simply replied, “Everything.”
Donations of food that doesn’t spoil are welcome, but she said the best way to help is with cash because then they can purchase whatever items are in short supply that week.
“People can purchase gifts cards at Gateway Co-op as a way to donate cash, if that is more comfortable for them,” said Watson.
She reported that everyone seems to be feeling the pinch right now.
“We’re quite concerned. Service clubs and other groups that have been traditional donors have not been doing so. We have run out of meat. The previous donor who made meat donations is no longer doing so due to the cost. We appreciated the funds raised at the Gateway Co-op barbecue earlier this year, but that money is gone.”
Watson said an alarming trend is that many people applying for assistance are new in town.
“We have had a number of new families move to Canora. Many are from big cities, and come here for the lower cost of living. But even for us, the cost of filling hampers has just about doubled in the last few years.
“I was contacted by a homeless man living in a tent. He rides a bicycle, and so he can’t take any food that needs to be frozen or cooked, we’re seeing more of that kind of thing.”
More and more seniors are coming to the food bank for help, because the social assistance they get from governments is not enough anymore.
With the start of school just around the corner, Watson expects to be contacted by a number of young families in the coming weeks.
“Families are spending on going back to school, but they can’t pay for back to school and also for food at the same time. So they don’t buy food, hoping to get it from the food bank. It’s so hard if I have to say no to people like that if we don’t have anything to give them.”
“Parents with children sometimes don’t make enough to pay the cost of living plus child care so they can go to work. Not everyone qualifies for babysitting assistance, and even if they do, it might take several months to get it.”
Watson said from what she’s seen, being in need of assistance is usually not due to lack of effort.
“One person I met applied for a job at 14 different businesses, and never received a single return phone call. And many employers don’t want to hire full time any more because they don’t want to pay benefits.”
Watson has been in her role at Filling the Gap for a dozen years because, “I have a passion for the people. But I am of retirement age, and my body is telling me the physical work involved is taking its toll.
“I’ve always been grateful to those who donate, and for those who help out as volunteer workers.
“I believe the calling comes from a supernatural power,” said Watson. “Hopefully someone comes along who can do this for 10 years or more after me.”
Unfortunately, the increasing pressure on food banks is not just in Canora, it’s pretty much the case right across Canada.
According to the 2025 annual report found at foodbankscanada.ca, The food bank system is buckling under the strain. Nearly 30 per cent of food banks across the network reported running out of food before demand was met, while another 56 per cent gave out less food than usual to avoid running out.
The Canora Ministerial Association continues to provide oversight for Filling The Gap.
To apply for a food hamper, donate, or for more information, phone: 306-563-5315. Donation cheques can also be mailed to PO Box 957, Canora, SK. S0A 0L0.
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