The Olive Tree’s COO, Jana Thompson, was all smiles as she received a cheque from Rife Resources to continue a food bank sponsorship that started in 2022. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photo
The Olive Tree had some pre-Christmas blessings to count as the non-profit organization celebrated a three-year partnership with Rife Resources Ltd.
In 2022, Rife agreed to a $60K sponsorship partnership with the non-profit’s food bank to help keep the shelves stocked.
The Olive Tree received $20K in 2022, $20K in 2023, and will receive $20K in 2024 to round out the three-year partnership.
The Olive Tree’s COO, Jana Thompson, was thrilled with the partnership and noted the food bank’s new sign, which includes Rife’s name, was a great addition to the building.
“Rife reached out wanting to do something for us, and with us, so I gave them the option to sponsor our food bank, which was a commitment of $20K per year for three years,” said Thompson before Christmas.
“Those funds go straight towards our food bank operations; whether it’s purchasing food, our staff wages, or equipment that we need.
“This is a huge deal for us as we’ve never really done a sponsorship agreement like that for the food bank. We were really excited and couldn’t be happier with the partnership with Rife as they’ve been so good for us. They also support us through their annual golf tournament; it’s been a great partnership.”
With the holidays come and gone, Thompson noted the need for the food bank’s services is greater than ever.
“Community meals are in full force and we currently seat almost 140 every meal pretty consistently now; our capacity is 150,” said Thompson.
“It’s been a very busy season and it’s been very consistent, which could be a sign of the economy, but it’s also still warm out so we still have those types of people stopping in to get food. Whether you’re homeless, in a low-income family or a senior in the community, everybody is welcome to come.”
Rife is a privately-owned small oil and gas production company that’s been around for roughly 40 years, and according to Rife senior production foreman, Roland Chibri, Lloyd’s been a key area since about 2001.
“We wanted to give back,” he said.
“We know there’s always community needs. We host a local charity golf tournament every year and The Olive Tree has always been a recipient of funding from that.
“Our Calgary corporate office saw The Olive Tree as a good fit when they decided to invest in local communities. Funding also helped with mental health initiatives.”
