'24 in 24': Sask. woman's initiative collects almost 750 kg of food for the community
CBC
Children and seniors in the community of Qu'Appelle, Sask., excitedly packaged up food hampers this holiday season.
The town and surrounding areas were challenged to donate 24 items in 24 hours to the town's seniors club, which makes food hampers for those in need every holiday season.
Aimee Proskie spearheaded the 24 in 24 initiative. She said her goal in life is to give back to the town of Qu'Appelle, located about 50 kilometres east of Regina, as much as she can. She and her partner Ryan Demyen recently took over the town's grocery store and work there together.
"We just want to live a peaceful life, helping our community, working in our community," Proskie said.
Proskie said there were some big shoes to fill when taking over the store. The space operated as a movie theatre from 1944 to 1957 before local man Bill Wilson took it over and turned it into a grocery store, Wilson's Supermarket.
Proskie said everyone from the community has fond memories of buying groceries from Wilson's. Proskie's partner even worked there as a teenager.
"It was almost the rite of passage for people to have to work here," Proksie said. "People, when we first started doing this, were coming in and telling us [about] when they worked here, what happened and how their shifts went."
She said the store never returned to its former glory after Wilson died. It became more of a convenience store than a place to buy fresh groceries.
Proskie and Demyen took over the store, now known as Double TT, in May, bringing fresh produce back to the community. They also added a cafe to the space and are now known for fresh soups.
Proskie left her job as a social worker to run the business. She said her background encouraged her to think outside the box for ways to give back.
Proskie started the 24 in 24 campaign on a Monday. It quickly took a life of its own.
"By Wednesday it was out of control," Proskie said.
In eight days, the town had amassed 13 overflowing carts full of groceries, which amounted to almost 750 kg of food.
"It was beyond anything I could have ever thought of," Proskie said. "I thought, 'OK there's like six to eight businesses in town and we'll get a couple things.' Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that we would have that much support."
From knitting blankets for the less fortunate to saving someone who fell into a manhole, Nova Scotians showed their kindness this year.
With the rising cost of living, $10 is now considered pocket change to some.
Montreal police say they're investigating a hit-and-run that has left a 33-year-old man in critical condition at the hospital.
Manitoba's premier is open to the legislative chamber hearing a rotation of different prayers reflective of various faith traditions so more people can see themselves and their religious practices represented.
This story was originally published on May 28, 2024.
Federal parole documents shed light on ongoing concerns about the risks posed by a woman charged in the killing of a young Edmonton security guard.
Pam Williams crushes up roasted cocoa beans and explains the multi-step process that will eventually turn them into delicious chocolate.
Over the past month in Ontario, officers with three different police agencies were taken to hospital following exposure to fentanyl — but research suggests exposure to the drug carries little danger, and some advocates warn misconceptions about the risk can have their own harmful consequences.
By the time you read this, you might already be knee-deep in torn wrapping paper, demolished cardboard boxes and styrofoam whatnots from the Christmas morning frenzy.
Trying to plan a holiday commute? Hoping to grab some last-minute food or booze? Looking for some activities to minimize awkward interactions with your in-laws or keep your children entertained?
Canada's premiers are calling on the federal government to extend the deadline for claiming charitable donations on tax returns through to the end of February.