HeARTworks Art Auction Returns to Support Saskatoon Food Bank Amid Rising Need
Local artists in Saskatoon are once again channeling their creativity into community support through the second annual HeARTworks Art Auction, set to take place at TCU Place on March 27. This event brings together artists and volunteers to address urgent food bank shortages, with proceeds benefiting the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre.
Artists Unite for a Cause
Vicki Chapman-Mager, artist and co-founder of Art Posse, explained that the group formed to contribute to alleviating the difficulties faced by the food bank. "We wanted to find a way to contribute to the difficulties that are going on right now with the food bank shortages and increased need in our community," she said. The auction features 76 artists in the silent auction and 27 in the live auction, with marketplace items still being added.
Prices for artworks range from approximately $50 to $4,000, making art accessible to a wide audience. Ticket prices have been reduced to $100 from last year's $150, with a goal of attracting 600 attendees—doubling last year's target of 300, which saw about 270 tickets sold.
Bridging Passion and Urgent Need
Deborah Hamp, the food bank's director of operations, emphasized how events like this connect artistic passion with community needs. "It joins the passion that artists have with an urgent need that we're seeing in the community," she stated. The growing demand for food assistance is driven by rising food costs, forcing many residents into difficult choices.
Currently, upwards of 24,000 people use the Saskatoon Food Bank each month, with 400 to 650 food hampers distributed daily. Hamp noted, "We don't really see an end in sight to the need," highlighting the persistent challenges faced by the community.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
The need for food bank services has surged significantly. According to Food Banks Canada's HungerCount report from November, there has been a 48.6% increase in food bank usage in Saskatchewan since 2019. Key findings from the report include:
- One in five food bank users are employed.
- Nearly three-quarters of users are in the rental market.
- Children make up 37.8% of users.
Hamp shared a poignant example of a post-secondary student pursuing a Master's degree who had to seek help due to delayed student loan funding and family struggles. "They were just horrified that they had to come. It was really hard for them," she said, underscoring the emotional toll and reluctance many feel in asking for assistance.
Community Impact and Future Goals
Beyond fundraising, the HeARTworks Art Auction fosters community connections. Chapman-Mager described it as "a great opportunity for people to get to know other community members working hard to make Saskatoon a better place." The event not only raises vital funds but also builds solidarity among residents.
As food insecurity continues to rise, initiatives like this art auction play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable populations. With artists and volunteers leading the charge, Saskatoon demonstrates how creativity and empathy can drive meaningful change in times of crisis.
