About Us
The Killarney & Area Foodbank is a Registered Charity rooted in compassion and guided by an unwavering dedication to the communities we serve.
Food package distribution forms the foundation of our work, yet our reach extends gracefully into every corner of daily life. Our Christmas Cheer program kindles warmth and wonder during the holiday season, while our free tax return assistance, menstrual product distribution, and home economics resources empower individuals and families to navigate life with greater confidence and ease. We bring our community closer through social networking, community education, and thoughtful advocacy.
We are more than just a foodbank - we are a sanctuary of belonging, a testament to the enduring strength of neighbors caring for one another.
Every great mission begins with a spark, and ours was lit in 1993 by the vision and compassion of Reverend Brent Denham and his wife, Ruth. With hard work, ingenuity, and a deep love for their community, they laid the foundation for something truly special. What began as a heartfelt suggestion grew into a lifeline for countless individuals and families - providing not only food and life's necessities, but also the educational resources needed to build brighter futures. In 2023, we proudly celebrated 30 years of that enduring legacy.
And just as Reverend Denham and Ruth rolled up their sleeves from the very beginning, we remain as hands-on and heart-led today as the day we opened our doors.
Catchment Area
We are deeply committed to the friends and neighbors who make this corner of the world so special, because we believe that when we stand together, we are stronger.
Our service area stretches from the US border in the south to Highway 23 in the north, and from Highway 346 in the west to Highway 5 in the east. Within this region, we are proud to embrace the towns of Killarney, Holmfield, Lena, Margaret, Dunrea, Ninette, Belmont, and Neelin.
Our foodbank is more than a place to find support - it is the heart of a community that, wherever you come from, will always feel like home.
All Are Welcome
At the Killarney & Area Foodbank, our doors are open to all. We are proud to serve individuals and families from every walk of life, united by our unwavering belief that no one in our community should go without. We welcome everyone regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, disability, religious or political belief, marital, parental, or military status, or age - because compassion knows no boundaries, and neither do we.
Our Vision
A community where no one goes hungry.
Our Values
We believe that access to nutritious food is a basic human right. We believe in the strength of community, and value collaboration with all who support, volunteer, and benefit from its efforts.
Our Mission
To collect and distribute food to community members in Killarney and the surrounding area experiencing food insecurity.
Charity Number: 892825449RR0001
Operations Manager
James Matchett
Current Board of Directors (2025)
The Killarney & Area Foodbank is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of four executive members (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary) and eight members at large.
The Board meets once a month from September to June, and holds an Annual General Meeting each April.
Any resident of Killarney and surrounding area - including foodbank customers - may be eligible to become a member of the Board.
The Executive
Chair: Giselle Beaupre
Vice Chair: Loren Jones
Treasurer: Chona Olimpo
Secretary: Petchie Hawkins
Members at Large
Bryce Martindale
David Findlay
Jenn Thiessen
Jenya Savchenko
Joanne Struss
Laura Roe
Russel Schalla
Vacant