Community event raising donations for local food bank

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It’s hot chocolate season in Lakewood of Strathmore, which is also aiming to serve as an avenue for gathering donations to the Wheatland County Food Bank. 

Partnering with local builders, the team is hosting an event inviting Strathmore and surrounding communities to enjoy unique hot chocolates all the while supporting families in need in time for the holiday season.

“It’s a chance for residents, new home buyers, and the entire town to come out, meet some of the builders in Lakewood and try their very own special blends of hot chocolate,” said Scott Silva, director of sales and marketing for Lakewood of Strathmore. “People will be able to vote on their favourite hot chocolates, and we will be giving away prizes at the end of the day for those who did vote. What’s really great is it is all for a great local cause.”

Anyone who comes by is encouraged to bring a non-perishable donation to the food bank, with the ultimate goal of filling a show home garage. 

Silva explained the idea was brought forward by the team over at Kelly Kustom Homes and they jumped in to take the lead organizing the project. 

“The builders are all going to be bringing some of their own recipes, so whether it’s from grandma or mom or even just something they found online, and they will be trying their own blends of marshmallow, cinnamon, whatever they have an interest in,” he said. “For the builders that don’t have their show home available, they will probably be working with a local partner like Baldwin Barbeque to set up in one of the trailers … so they will still have a chance to be voted on.”

The event is scheduled to operate from 2- 5 p.m. Nov. 29 in Lakewood. 

Far from being the first time Lakewood of Strathmore has partnered with the Wheatland County Food Bank, Silva added it will also be a far cry from the last, as the team aims to make the event an annual occurrence.

“We definitely want to bring awareness to the situation. Christmas can always be a tough time for a lot of families, and even sometimes the families that you think are in a good position. We want to bring awareness to the food bank because there are a lot of people who do need that assistance,” said Silva. “(The food bank) has a list available online that we are going to be posting and putting out on social media as well, but if you go online, you will be able to see what’s in demand.”

Participating builders will be making donations to the food bank, though such contributions have yet to be disclosed. For those who come out to participate and try the hot chocolates, as well as voting for their favourites, prizes are also up for grabs.