By Stephen Dafoe
Morinville – A local businessman is shifting gears this weekend, literally and figuratively, in the hopes of filling his gravel hauler with non-perishables for the Morinville Food Bank Society. Al Pangborn of Big Al’s Custom Hauling and Landscaping Supplies is holding his 2nd Annual Food Bank Drive July 14, and is hoping to exceed the 1,250 pounds of food he was able to deliver the local charity last summer.
“We’re going to try to fill up the trailer again and see what happens from there,” Pangborn said, adding he was pleased with last year’s results. “This year we hope to do twice as much as we did last year. I can’t wait. We’ve got to do this every year.”
Pangborn said he hopes businesses and residents will bring in their donations of food or cash Saturday to help the Morinville Food Bank Society feed those in need over the summer. “Everybody thinks winter time and Christmas,” Pangborn said. “Well, it’s not just Christmas. It’s every day. You’ve got families that are starving out there. We’ve got to help them in any way you can.”
It was that knowledge of the number of families in need that prompted the businessman to put together his first food drive. “We were told last year one family had eight kids,” he explained. “My God, how do you feed eight kids?”
As was the case last year, Al has put out the challenge to Morinville and area businesses to dig deep to help the food bank. Assisting Al are 10 local businesses that have put up prizes for the businesses who haul in the most donations. Pangborn said donors include Sal’s Famous Pizza and Donairs who have put up a pizza party for the company who brings in the top poundage of donations. Other prizes include a steak dinner for two from Coach’s Corner and a round of golf for two from Cardiff Golf and Country Club. “Everywhere I’ve gone for support, they’ve just been great,” Pangborn said, adding he was particularly appreciative of the assistance of Hunters Print and Copy who donated the signs and flyers for the event. “I really, really appreciate the help.”
The food drive takes place July 14 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Big Al’s landscaping yard on 100 Street south of the tracks. Hot dogs and beverages will be provided to those making donations to the cause.
Above: Big Al Pangborn sits in his big chair waiting for next weekend’s food drive for the Morinville Food Bank Society. He is hoping to surpass the 1,250 pounds collected last year. – Morinville News Staff Photo
