Special deliveries head to Churchill homes thanks to food drive

Fresh food will be making its way into the homes of people living in Churchill many of whom have been struggling to make ends meet thanks to a recent food drive.

"When you actually walk in there and see how much stuff is here it's pretty awesome," said Belinda Fitzpatrick, a volunteer in Churchill who was kept busy Wednesday getting the food organized and ready to hand out to residents Thursday.

"I think people are going to be very excited."

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The suspension of the only rail line to Churchill in 2017 after spring flooding has meant food must be shipped by air to the northern Manitoba community raising already high grocery prices.

Toni deLaroque of Danica's Village and Winnipeg Blue Bomber Alumni member Mike Hameluck partnered together to organize the food drive.

Hameluck contacted deLaroquewanting to do a drive for the community after she did her own drive back in December in honour of her late-daughter Danica deLaroque.

"I feel very energized," Toni deLaroquesaid."When I did this drive at Christmas there was so much appreciation from all the people up there."

Five-year-old Danicadied in 2016 when her canoe capsized in Churchill.

Mom ofgirl who died gives back

"When we lost our daughter, Churchill definitely grieved for us," saiddeLaroque.

"It wasn't just us up there that felt the loss, it was for sure the town. They supported us when we lost our little girl, so it's been very important for me to support them in their time of need."

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Though shewasn't able to make it toChurchill to take part on Thursday,deLaroqueplans tofly up to the community on Friday when a shipment of non-perishable food items from the drive is expected to arrive in town.

Fitzpatrick estimates there are 15 pallets of fresh produce and bread ready to be handed out Thursday morning.

She owns a hotel and restaurant in Churchill but said even if she wanted to she couldn'thire any staff. Hard times in the community havemeant it's just her and one employee running the business.

"It's been a struggle since the loss of the rail line and there's not a lot of work in town. The cost of food obviously has gone up."

Regardless, she says the food donations will mean temporary financial relief for many in the community who will get to save a little money on groceries.

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