Welcome to Maria's Food & Pantry Foundation!

Greetings to all! My name is Maria, and I would like to extend a warm welcome to Maria's Food & Pantry Foundation. Although I was born in Athens, Greece, I am a Greek-Canadian currently residing in Calgary, Canada. While I have spent most of my life here, I have never forgotten my roots and hope to return to Greece someday.

My family and I immigrated to Canada in 1973 and experienced the typical challenges of new immigrants. From a young age, I felt a strong desire to help others, and I pursued my education through various correspondence and in-person schools, including Mount Royal College in Calgary, before it became a university, and Athabasca University.

Many surgeries later, including a recent one that left me with limited mobility, I found myself unable to return to work and struggling to accept my circumstances at home. However, rather than succumbing to despair, I slowly began to focus my energy on helping others. Six years later, I am proud to be serving my community and offering support to anyone who comes to my door in need.

In 2016, I established the food group, which, after a series of trials and errors, has evolved into a grassroots organization that provides free assistance to those who require it. We rely on donations from the community and our program members, who give and receive items for free throughout the city. Every day, someone new contacts me for assistance, whether it be by phone, message, or a knock on my door.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Calgary, unemployment rates skyrocketed, and many individuals and families found themselves struggling to make ends meet. As a member of a community that includes many immigrants, I understand the challenges that come with navigating a new country, especially when language barriers exist. Recognizing the overwhelming demand for food assistance, I began reaching out to organizations for donations. To my surprise, I received an outpouring of support, with donations coming in from all over Calgary.

Together with my team of volunteers, I work tirelessly to help as many people as possible during these challenging times. The pandemic has left countless individuals without work, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the resources they need, particularly during the holidays.

At Maria's Food & Pantry Foundation, we believe that we must demonstrate our love and care for everyone in our diverse community, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, or ethnicity. Our goal is to continue expanding our reach, helping as many people as possible, and making our community a better place for all.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my journey in Calgary. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support we have received over the years. If you would like to get involved, have ideas to share, or have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly through messenger or email at mariasfoodpantry@outlook.com.

Volunteer With Me