Moving out on their own
Food bank, thrift store moving to new location in Rankin
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
RANKIN INLET
The Deacon's Cupboard thrift store and Ikurraq Food Bank are opening in a temporary location in Rankin Inlet this week.
David Fredlund works on a new cooling unit being installed in the temporary home of the Ikurraq Food Bank on Aug. 24, 2016, in Rankin Inlet. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
Ikurraq Food Bank Society member David Fredlund said the operation's longtime home in the old Anglican Church building will soon be torn down.
He said the society has set up shop in the old wildlife building near the Royal Bank until its permanent location is ready for occupancy.
"We owe a lot of thanks to the church for the many years we were located there," said Fredlund.
"Space is at a premium in Rankin Inlet and it's hard to come by available buildings, but Piruqsaijit Ltd. has a few and we're entering into a rental agreement on one.
"We'll be setting up shop in the little yellow building near the fitness centre.
"Piruqsaijit has agreed to renovate it during the next few weeks, and we're hoping to move in by the end of September, or so."
The food bank will open in its temporary location today, Aug. 31, and the thrift store is expected to open Sept. 10.
Fredlund said the move has been a lot of work, but 12 to 14 volunteers have made the going a little easier.
He said the move will be a positive one for the society in the long run.
"We're excited about the move because we're a separate entity from the Anglican Church, but a lot of people associate us with it because of being in that building.
"So, leaving there will allow us to be the food bank and the Deacon's Cupboard without that association.
"It's not that being attached to the church due to our previous location was a bad thing, it's that we're a separate entity and that's how we want to be seen by the community."
Fredlund said the society will have to increase its fundraising efforts with the move.
He said a number of successful penny sales were held during the past few months and similar events will be held in the future.
"We also had a fairly successful bingo a few weeks ago, and those things will help us to pay the rent, power and fuel at our new location.
"So, going forward, a portion of the money raised will continue to go toward our operational costs now."
