When Danielle Hessler first heard about AMA’s mobilization kits, she saw an incredible opportunity in these food-drive kits designed to inspire Albertans to collect non-perishable food items for their communities.
It was three years ago when Hessler—a hockey coach, mother of three and a human resources professional who sits on AMA’s board of directors—borrowed her first mobilization kit from her local AMA centre in Grande Prairie.
And she had a mission. “I realized I could bring the kits to groups I participate in, like the Sexsmith Minor Hockey Association, and get them involved.”
So, armed with a kit, which includes banners, messaging, social media assets and boxes for donations, Hessler challenged the league’s 200 players to collect as many food cans, packages, tins and boxes as they could. “We told them the team that collected the most [items] would get a pizza party, and it just took off,” she says, recalling how the players, on their first outing, collected more than 800 pounds of food.
And they didn’t stop there. The league has since continued borrowing AMA mobilization kits every year to great success. “AMA has done a tremendous job of making it simpler for community organizations and teams to get involved, says Hessler. “It’s brought awareness about food shortages/ Most of us don’t realize how many families and kids are affected [one in five people in Alberta deals with food insecurity]. The other cool thing [about the kits] is [how] food that’s collected is donated right back to the local food bank and that’s awesome for our communities.”
Hessler’s advice to Albertans considering organizing their own food drive? “Just borrow one kit from AMA and start spreading the word. It’s such an awesome endeavour.”
Book a mobilization kit and host a food drive in your community by emailing amacares@ama.ab.ca to reserve your kit.