Community maze aims to boost donations as demand climbs
The Lethbridge Food Bank will host its Second Annual Halloween Maze on Oct. 30, inviting families to wander a festive, low‑scar route through the food bank facility in exchange for a non‑perishable food donation. The event, designed for younger children and parents who want Halloween fun without jump scares, also serves as a visible way to gather essential items for residents facing food insecurity.
Executive director Tim Rempel said the maze is intended to be a safe, family friendly activity that doubles as a chance for people to see the food bank’s work first hand. “They get a treat and just have a fun time associated with Halloween. A very safe, not scary, very fun kind of thing,” he said.
- Date and time: Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Admission: new, non‑perishable food donation
- Audience: families and young children; not a haunted attraction
Rempel noted the Lethbridge Food Bank has been serving the city for more than four decades and that events like the maze help maintain community ties while generating much‑needed donations. “It’s very much part of the community. We do things like this for a couple of reasons,” he explained, adding the event both provides a free activity for families and creates opportunities for neighbours to contribute.
“Our need is up for sure. We’ve seen drastic increases of over 100 per cent in usage in the last five years. We need the support of the community to be able to continue to help those clients that we do have.”
Context: rising demand across the sector
The Food Banks Canada annual Hunger Count report has highlighted increasing need nationally, and Rempel said the trend is reflected locally in Lethbridge. He pointed to a dramatic uptick in clients over the past five years — usage has risen by more than 100 per cent, he said — underscoring that donations of staple items remain essential to keep hampers stocked.
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cereal | Staple for breakfasts; important for children |
| Non‑perishable proteins | Provide balanced, longer‑lasting nutrition |
| Baby food and formula | Critical for families with infants |
While the maze is a seasonal, single‑day event, it forms part of broader community efforts to support the food bank. Rempel highlighted programs focused on children, such as family hampers and school lunch initiatives, noting that making sure kids have access to breakfast and other meals is a continuing priority.
How Lethbridge residents can help
The maze makes donating simple: bring acceptable non‑perishable items on Oct. 30 and enjoy the family activities. Beyond the event, residents who want to support year‑round operations can drop off donations during the food bank’s regular hours or participate in partner drives led by local businesses.
Organizers emphasise all donations, regardless of size, contribute to the food bank’s ability to serve a growing number of clients. As demand increases, community participation in events like the maze and ongoing donation programs will be crucial to maintain food supports across Lethbridge.
The Lethbridge Food Bank’s Halloween Maze offers a short, safe burst of seasonal fun while helping fill shelves for neighbours in need — a pragmatic prairie approach that blends family recreation with civic support.
