We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Betty Rudachyk, who is the Executive Director of Good Neighbours Food Centre in Saskatchewan!
What is your role in food banking?
I am the Executive Director at Good Neighbours Food Centre in Rosthern, SK
What are your pronouns?
She/Her
Describe a typical day in one word.
Busy!
What was your inspiration to get involved in food banking?
I have ALWAYS been a strong supporter of food banks and the essential services they provide in a community! As a predominantly retired Registered Psychiatric Nurse, I have accompanied hundreds of people through the roughest of life’s terrain over the past 45 years. The hard realities of living in poverty and not having access to money to purchase basics, like food, for themselves and their children has always broken my heart! I have helped countless people access the services of urban food banks throughout my career. When the position of ED at our local food bank became available, I felt my self ‘called’ to respond. I view my current role/job as my ‘retirement calling’!!
What is your greatest achievement in your current role?
There have been several great achievements since I took on this role, 10.5 months ago, but the one I will highlight here, is ‘community engagement’! I have worked with passion to connect with our communities and draw them into the work and services offered at our food centre. The uptake has been very rewarding and has resulted in a deeper understanding of the rising use of our food bank, the many faces of ‘poverty’ and the challenges of families who live daily, with the haunting realities of food insecurity. This engagement has meant an increase in stakeholder, volunteers and donations, which helps us do a good job in serving families.
What is your greatest challenge in your current role?
This is a NEVER ENDING job! My greatest challenge is harnessing and maintaining positive energy to do all that needs doing to ensure we have enough funds to feed our rising number of families and keep our organization thriving.
If you could have one wish granted that would address hunger in Canada what would it be?
Increase wages and/or create systems that help low income families access food, from grocery stores, at a significant discount, through a government funded subsidy program.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to have a beautiful singing voice!
If you could tell your younger self advice, what would it be?
Focus on ‘Gratitude’, especially in times of turbulence and challenge. Give power (in thought) to the good things in your life….the things, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant they might be, that give you comfort, bring a small smile to your face or make you feel lighter in your spirit, for even a minute! Focus on these things and let them grow more goodness in your life! It is easy to get swallowed up by problems or challenges, so we have to be intentional about giving power to the good, to offset the life-sucking, fear-producing situations we might be faced with/living through.
Who are your heroes? Fictional or real life
Honestly….the countless volunteers who freely and willingly give their time, talents and resources to help make a difference in this world!!
What is your idea of happiness?
Feeling peaceful, content and secure inside myself as I share time with those I love being with.
What is your motto?
“All is well….All is, as it needs to be. Trust this truth.”
Something quirky about you that others may not expect or know?
Although I am often seen or described as being ‘outgoing’ or ‘social’, I actually have a very shy side that can rise up and grip me.
Your theme song?
What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Do you know a food bank or food banker that could be featured on our next Spotlight? Contact us at communications@foodbankscanada.ca.