Keeping the shelves full: Marilyn Stevens inspires ongoing support for the Food Bank

By Haylee Winger
As demand for support continues to rise in Whitecourt, local residents and volunteers are
stepping up to ensure the Food Bank can continue serving those who need assistance. In 2024,
the Whitecourt Food Bank provided help to 2,626 people, marking a significant 23% increase
from the previous year. With the busiest season approaching, community involvement has never
been more important.
One of the most dedicated contributors to this effort is Marilyn Stevens, whose history with
charitable meat draws spans more than two decades. She first began hosting draws in Red Deer
from 1999 to 2003 in support of Search and Rescue. When Marilyn Stevens and her family made
Whitecourt their “forever home” in 2007, she was determined to bring the fundraiser back.
“I always believed this community could benefit from something like the meat draw,” Marilyn
Stevens said. “With the blessing of Bill and Mary Newcombe, who owned the Road House at the
time, I knew it was time to get it going again.”
Over the years, Marilyn Stevens worked to establish the meat draw as a Whitecourt tradition.
She hosted it at several local venues, including Smitty’s, the old hotel downtown, and Green
Gables, helping to build community support for the Food Bank. The event was active at Green
Gables when COVID-19 forced gatherings to stop. Even then, Marilyn Stevens continued
volunteering as a driver, delivering hampers to families in need.
“At one point, I realized families rely on the Food Bank for six hampers a year,” she said. “If the
shelves are empty, it affects their daily lives. That’s why I knew I had to get the draws going
again. It’s not just about Christmas—it’s about helping families all year long.”
Marilyn Stevens explained how she runs the draws: “I purchase 15 cuts of meat for each event,
and I use my tips to buy door prizes. Even small contributions—like a few extra dollars on a
tab—really add up. It’s incredible what a community can do when everyone pitches in.”
The weekly meat draws are held every Friday at the Road House until mid-January, giving
community members multiple opportunities to participate and support the Whitecourt Food
Bank. For those who can’t attend, Marilyn noted that the Whitecourt Legion also hosts meat
draws on Fridays. “The Legion works very hard on this too,” she said, highlighting the broader
community effort.
Local participation has played a major role in the success of the fundraiser. Marilyn noted that
businesses such as Aquarius, along with staff and customers at the Road House, often offer
additional support, helping the draws remain successful week after week.

At the most recent draw, after covering the cost of meat, the event raised $584 for the Food
Bank. Marilyn Stevens’ fundraising efforts have now reached $120,780.65 since 2009 for the

Whitecourt Food Bank alone. In addition, she has raised $56,000 for Wellspring, another
initiative close to her heart.
“Even a little help can make a huge difference,” she said. “If we can shine a light on the need,
maybe more people will step forward. That’s what makes Whitecourt so special—the way people
come together when it counts.”
The Whitecourt Food Bank accepts donations year-round and relies heavily on local support.
Residents can help in several ways:
 Food donations: Call 780-778-2341 to arrange a drop-off at the Carlan Services
Community Resource Centre.
 Financial contributions: Visit the Town Office (5004 52 Avenue) to donate by cash or
cheque. Tax receipts are issued for donations over $20.
Through the dedication of volunteers like Marilyn Stevens and the generosity of local residents,
Whitecourt families continue to receive the support they need—not only during the holiday
season, but all year long.
Marilyn Stevens’ story serves as a reminder of the power of community. “Even a little help can
make a huge difference,” she said. “Everyone deserves support, every month of the year, not just
around the holidays.”