The Dakota Dunes Development Corporation has announced a $200,000 donation toward the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre’s new facility, currently under construction to meet surging community demand.
The funding contribution was unveiled Monday during a press conference in Saskatoon, where Indigenous leaders and food bank executives outlined the urgent need for expanded infrastructure amid rising living costs.
Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Chair of the Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation, called the decision to support the capital campaign an “automatic no-brainer” for the organization’s board.
“When we talk about today’s investment into the food bank and their goal to have a new building to serve more people, it’s a good thing,” Arcand said. “But it’s also a sad thing because there’s a lot of people in need. We know what the economy’s doing right now—a lot of people can’t afford rent, they can’t afford food, school supplies, everything.”
Arcand noted that funding for the donation stems from casino gaming revenues distributed through the corporation’s charitable arm to support children, families, and community welfare.
He issued a challenge to local businesses and civic organizations to join the fundraising effort.
“We encourage and we challenge everybody else in our city to step up and help us, to help the food bank help people,” Arcand said. “When I think about moving forward in a direction of unity, of understanding our homelessness crisis, our food crisis for our families and our children, we have to do better in Saskatoon.”
Demand at the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre has surged significantly over the past year. Executive Director Laurie O’Connor shared that the organization is now assisting nearly 26,000 individuals every month.
“During the last 12 months, we’ve seen many more people come through our doors in need of support,” O’Connor said. “We are now serving close to 26,000 people each month, and 40 per cent of those requests are made on behalf of children. That’s a staggering reality for so many in our community.”
O’Connor added that the new facility will expand capacity and allow staff to offer enhanced programming and support services to visitors.
“A new facility will allow us to serve community with enhanced programs and services,” O’Connor said. “Your belief in our work lifts us up. You inspire us to keep going and to know that we make a difference.”
Construction on the new Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre facility is currently underway.