Dauphin and District Community Food Bank (DDCFB) received an early Christmas present from Dauphin Consumers Co-op last week.

Reflecting on its 85 years of serving the community, Co-op wanted to round out 2024 in a way that honours its position in the community, by giving back.

To that end Robin Gambler of the DDCFB was lured down to the Co-op Food score under the guise of having a photo taken with a donation from Co-op. It wasn’t until she got that Gambler learned she wasto take part in a surprise shopping spree in aid of DDCFB.

Rather than simply having a photo taken, Gambler raced through the store pushing a shopping cart while Co-op employees filled it items necessary for the food bank to provide vital support to those in need.

In the end DDCFB received more than $850 in groceries.

“Co-op you are amazing. That was so much fun and on behalf of the Dauphin and District Food Bank we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Gambler said.

As the co-operative celebrate its history of service and success, Marketing and Community Relations manager Joan Chetyrbok said it' is important to remember that giving back to the people that helped aachieve that success is what truly makes the community stronger.

“This shopping spree is a way for us to say thank you and give back to an organization that has made such a positive impact,” she said.

“Our goal is to help stock the shelves of the food bank, ensuring that families and individuals in need have access to the food and resources they require. It’s a wonderful way to give back, especially as we head into the holiday season when donations and support are so important.”