Gail Barkic devoted her life to being an educator. Thirteen-years ago she retired as principal from Glen Ames Senior Public School; for most people that would be enough, but not for Barkic.
“Well, I guess you might say I’m type A,” says Barkic. “I’ve got lots of energy, I need to keep busy.”
She’s the founding member and coordinator of the Bluffs Food Bank, a perfect fit for Barkic since she was the eldest of seven children and was taught from an early age how to make a dollar stretch.
“Things we’re tough when we were growing up. So I knew what it was like to have to make ends meet.”
Today this retired principal uses skills from her childhood and beyond to end hunger in Birch Cliff by providing low-income individuals and families in need with a three to four day supply of groceries.
“We’re actually more than a food bank,” says Barkic. “We offer a meal program, we offer free income tax service, we do referrals to other agencies, and it’s a social place for folks to come on Thursdays.”
The food bank also offers a clothing boutique and free haircuts from Barber, Mauricio Quiceno, a former client who knows what it’s like to need a helping hand.
“I came to this food bank two years ago and I feel great serving the people in the community,” says Mauricio.
Every week Barkic and her team of volunteers serve at least 300 families, representing 500 individuals from all walks of life; people new to Canada like Mauricio, people who have recently lost their jobs, or perhaps revering from addiction.
Yet, everyone here is welcomed with a warm smile and kind heart.
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