Are you aware that the Sisters of Providence of Western Canada, a community of Catholic nuns, have been working in Inner City Edmonton for almost 50 years? Some of these dedicated women belong to the Parish of the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples and serve wherever the need calls them, such as Anawim Place Food Bank.

The Sisters of Providence own and operate Anawim Place Food Bank at 10650 95 Street. It is a service that provides food hampers to those in need, two days a week. Over the years the need for this service has grown significantly. So, along with the Sisters, a group of faithful volunteers from across the city are pleased to be there to prepare the hampers, keep the facility clean, and serve the people with a smile and compassion and care.

Most of the food available for distribution comes from Edmonton’s Food Bank each week. This is supplemented at times by donations from various churches, individuals, and the Sisters of Providence themselves who also undertake food drives when the opportunity arises.

During the COVID-19 outbreak Anawim Place Food Bank had to close its doors due to the concern of spreading the virus, as we could not assure the safety of our clients. However even this has a silver lining. During these weeks we have undertaken a renovation project at Anawim Place to make the atmosphere more welcoming, safe, and attractive for our clients. This has been a time of blessing as we see the newly created space emerging for those who come for assistance.

Poverty has always been a serious issue in our city as families and individuals struggle to make ends meet in this climate where work is scarce and funds even scarcer. Anawim Place and the Sisters are pleased to be able to do their parts to make a small difference in people’s lives.

Article submitted by Sister Estela Andaya, SP and Rev. James (Jim) L. Holland.