The Moose Jaw and District Food Bank were able to get over 500 pounds of food at a crucial time in food donations.

The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre held a movie week last week during the school break and were able to collect the donations for those wanting to see movies like Pinocchio, Annie, E.T. and Alice in Wonderland. A total of 650 people attended those movies.

“In order to make it more affordable for people who might not be able to afford to go out to the movies, we often do this for a way to give back to the community,” said Cultural Centre Executive Director Derik Cronan. “It’s a great way to support local non-profit organizations and charities. And it encourages future generations to donate to the food bank as well.”

Food Bank Assistant Director Deann Little is grateful for the help.

“Most food drives that do happen, happen between October and December, so to have a food drive of this magnitude come in at this point in time of year is exciting to get,” Little said. “We can handle it a little bit better because we have a bit more space as well.”

Little said there were 517 pounds of food donated by the Cultural Centre.

The Food Bank is grateful for the help after their fundraising goal for 2018 fell short. They are working on getting online donations set up on their website.

“Our numbers have really increased the last little bit,” Little said. “Even January, we handed out 427 hampers. The need is out there. Our numbers continue to increase for who’s needing our help. Any food coming in, monetary donations, goes into helping our fellow Moose Javians here in town.”