Since 2006, I’ve been the Executive Director at Interfaith Food Bank. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work for a cause I believe in; it’s the community nature of Interfaith Food Bank that keeps me excited about coming to work every day – working with great people on initiatives & projects that make a true difference in the lives of those we serve.
Phone:403 320 8779
Fax:403 328 0521
Operations Manager
Neil Heaton
When I finished university, I came to Interfaith working as the driver, picking up food from donors. Over time, my position has evolved, and I am now Operations Manager, which includes shipping/receiving, site management, and purchasing. When I first started, it was merely a job but over time it became a passion and very enjoyable career.
Phone:403 320 8779
Fax:403 328 0521
Client Intake Supervisor
Gladys Karanja
Shortly after I completed my degree at the University of Lethbridge, the opportunity arose for me to become the Client Intake Supervisor. It is a privilege to be able to help the clients who come to the food bank, and to know that we are able to help meet their needs, both by providing food, and referring them to other community agencies.
Phone:403 320 8022
Donor Relations
Joani Neufeldt
I joined the team at Interfaith Food Bank in August 2016 and haven’t looked back! Working with a great team has made the challenging work of non-profit and community building a joy. Every day is different and I spend my days working on donor receipt data and donor recognition, overseeing The Second Door Thrift Store, and working on special events such as our Annual Charity Dinner & Silent Auction. It is a real pleasure to serve the community through my position.
Phone:403 320 8779
Fax:403 328 0521
Volunteer Coordinator/Community Health Facilitator
Echo Nowak
Hi! I’m the Volunteer Coordinator/ Community Health Facilitator here at Interfaith. Many of you may recognize me, as before this position I was the Branch Coordinator at the Interfaith Chinook Country Kitchen. In this position I fell love with the food bank, its vision and all of its wonderful people. I am a firm believer in Interfaith’s mission and believe everyone needs access to foods and services and am so proud to be a part of the team.
In my free time I enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, golfing, spending time with my 3 grown kids and my dog Toby.
Phone:403 320 8779
Administrative Assistant
Kaitlyn Lang
I’ve recently joined the foodbank this year as the Admin. Assistant and have enjoyed becoming a part of this dedicated team. I’m thrilled to work for this organization that works hard at keeping the community healthy, connected and respected. My job includes bookkeeping, general office duties, and I’m honored to learn more and put my accounting knowledge into practice for a good cause. In my free time I enjoy playing piano, reading, and going hiking.
Phone:403 320 8779
Warehouse Supervisor
Troy Tollestrup
I came to work at Interfaith Food Bank in 2004 as the warehouse-man. I am heavily involved in the daily activities of the warehouse; sorting through food, keeping the warehouse clean and organized, and providing support for volunteers. I am grateful that every day I come to work, I am helping those less fortunate in our community.
Phone:403 320 8779
Fax:403 328 0521
Operation Support/Driver
Joe Barsky
Following my 2020 season with the city of Lethbridge employment as a machine operator in parks, I decided to take on the driver/operational support position @IFB.
Leisurely I enjoy playing guitar, disc golf, sports & travelling.
I am grateful to to see first hand how our community & small businesses work together to help each other out during tough times.
We have several dedicated volunteers that are truly unsung heroes & I enjoy working alongside them as well as our staff team.
I am a firm believer that everyone deserves to eat & am fortunate to pick up literally tons of food for those in need.
Summer Garden Student
Myla Krippl
Hi! I’m Myla, the new Garden Coordinator for this summer. I am a student at the University of Lethbridge working towards being a music teacher. I am so excited to be a part of the community here at the Interfaith Food Bank! This summer I will be spending my days out in the garden growing some delicious plants and planning events for the community to join in. Please contact me if you would like to get involved and spend some time outside this summer!
Phone:403 320 8779
Summer Communications Coordinator
Mackenzie Bobee
Hi! I’m Mackenzie, the new Communications/Marketing Coordinator at Interfaith Food Bank this summer! I am currently finishing my degree in New Media at the University of Lethbridge, working towards my goal of becoming a freelance designer. I am excited to be working here as it is a great way to be giving back to the community that has been so welcoming and supportive as I work through my degree. I will be spending my time here spreading the word about the incredible events, projects, and programs that Interfaith will be putting on this summer! I cannot wait to share what we have planned!
Hi! I’m Mercedes, the new Client Intake Supervisor. I recently graduated university from Thompson Rivers University in BC with my Bachelor’s of Social Work, and quickly joined the team here at IFB. I’m very excited to meet with clients, help them with their needs, and connect them with any other resources needed.
I am Christina Blake, the Client Advocacy and Resource Program Coordinator. I first joined the Interfaith Food Bank team through my senior practicum placement with the University of Calgary’s Bachelor of Social Work Program in the winter of 2021. I was able to assist in the creation and building of the Client Advocacy and Resource Program. After completing my BSW, I hopped back on board and into my exciting new role here at the IFB! I will collaborate with community agencies and programing to bridge the existing gaps, foster progressive change, and reinforce support networks for service users within our community. The Resource Room is a safe starting point where service users are met in a client-centred approach offering judgment-free supports, empowerment, and information to navigate better the systems and barriers they may face. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, being with my family, and enjoying the outdoors.
Hello! My name is David , and I’m the Rural Food Share Coordinator here at the Interfaith Food Bank!
“What is the Rural Food Share Program?” – well with this new program , we will be able to streamline more food quickly and efficiently to all the surrounding communities safely, quickly and efficiently! Feel free to contact me in person, email, or phone , and I will gladly explain in further .
After teaching for several years in the Catholic school system, I spent most of my working years with the Alberta Ministry of Education, working on various projects concerning family and child services. Now retired, I have recently returned to Lethbridge, and, being an avid volunteer, joined the Board at Interfaith in 2013.
Secretary
Penny Kwasny
Over my 35 year career as a Registered Nurse, I have had the privilege and appreciation of caring for patients and their families during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Having a desire to give back to the community, I joined the Interfaith Food Bank Board of Directors in 2018 and am honoured to support the important work of the Interfaith Food Bank.
Treasurer
Jan Roth
Before retiring, I spent many years as an accountant, working with various for-profit and non-profit organizations. Now retired, I have been on the Board of Directors at Interfaith Food Bank since 2008, and am a true believer in the organization and the work it does; it is a pleasure working with all the staff and volunteers.
Director
Jan Johnson
Since moving to Lethbridge 31 years ago I have been involved in the community. Prior to retirement 8 years ago I sold Real Estate in Lethbridge for over 20 years. My philosophy is if you live in a city you must give back to the community, thus my volunteering began. I look forward to begin my tenure on the Interfaith Food Bank Board.
Director
Marshall Gourlay
Marshall Gourlay is our newest board member.
Director
Casey Hellawell
Casey brings over 30 years of work in the Human Resources field, mostly in the public sector, to the Board. He is an annual supporter of the Interfaith Foodbank and looks forward to supporting the organization in the capacity of Director. Casey enjoys playing guitar and camping with his wife
Director/ Youth@ The Table
Holly Kletke
My name is Holly Kletke, and I am a third year student at the University of Lethbridge, studying music and education. On the UofL campus, I am a Residence Assistant, the Fine Arts Representative on the Students’ Union, and the President of PACT, our student/alumni council. I am so excited to serve on the board of the Interfaith Foodbank, to get out into the community and make a difference. I have always had a passion for volunteerism, and it is exciting to see the tangible impact that the Interfaith Foodbank has on the Lethbridge community.
I’ve had the opportunity this year to work with Family Center in partnership with Interfaith as the Chinook Country Kitchen Coordinator. I’m really enjoying facilitating the adult cooking programs and working with such a great team of community minded individuals. My university studies, overseas experience and recent refugee work has expanded the importance of community building.
Early Childhood Educator
Kimberley Harvey
I began volunteering at The Interfaith Food Bank when our community was confronted with the difficulties of a pandemic. I grew to love the feeling of directly supporting the many programs running at this location. I feel fortunate to stand alongside my fellows in serving the vision of connected, empowered, and secure citizens. I am dedicated to engaging with children and youth, as I earned my Education degree before focusing on running my own home. I believe the vitality of our young people expands through the preparation of a tasty snack or meal. They discover the agility and willpower it takes to execute a cooking project and they celebrate their own specific gifts that emerged in completing the kitchen challenge. Our youth having high self-regard that is backed up by real skill means the future of our community is in great hands.
