A fire incident involving a trailer posed a threat to the Prince Albert Grand Council’s Thanksgiving food hamper program. However, the community rallied together to restore what was lost. The 53-foot trailer, loaded with food for families in need, caught fire behind a warehouse in Prince Albert on Oct. 3. Elizabeth Marlowe, an agrologist and organizer of the food hamper program, recounted that the fire occurred shortly after they had left the site.
Despite the fire being contained to the back of the trailer by the fire department, a significant portion of the food was either burnt or damaged by water and smoke. Approximately 1,500 hampers were lost in the incident, some of which could have been salvaged but were deemed damaged. Marlowe emphasized that canceling the program was never considered. On the same night of the fire, Marlowe and her team mobilized volunteers to commence the rebuilding process.
Volunteers, including members from the YWCA, S.H.A.R.E., Caribou Transport, and Prince Albert Grand Council staff and youth, collaborated to replenish the hampers. Diane Altenberg, who works alongside Marlowe, was among the first responders to join the rebuilding efforts. The community’s response was overwhelming as supporters came forward to contribute to the cause.
The demand for the hamper program has surged, with over 3,600 families registering for assistance this year. The program, an annual initiative by the grand council, aids low-income families during the holiday season. Rising food costs due to inflation have exacerbated the need for such programs, as highlighted in a May 2025 Statistics Canada report revealing a concerning increase in food insecurity levels across the country.
The heartening display of community support and generosity from local businesses and donors, such as the Leamington Food Hub in Ontario, further underscored the shared commitment to assisting those in need. Despite the setbacks caused by the fire, the collective efforts of volunteers and donors have enabled the program to continue serving families during the Thanksgiving season.