Two Altona-area organizations are the latest benefactors of the Employee-Directed Giving Program at Friesens Corporation.

A total of $8,169.60 was distributed in this latest round of funding.

The Rhineland and Area Food Bank received $4,120.80, and $4,048.80 was donated to the Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services.

Chad Friesen, President and CEO of Friesens Corp. said in a news release, “The Rhineland Food Bank provides such an important service to our region. In a vibrant community like ours, we may forget that there are people who desperately need a helping hand. Our employee-owners are proud to support the work of the Rhineland Food Bank.”

As well, he added, “We are very pleased to support first responders and proud of our employee-owners that volunteer their time as fire fighters. The Altona Fire Department is a perennial favourite of employees through the Employee-Directed Giving program.”

Friesens Corporation sponsors numerous initiatives every year from the local level to the national level, focusing on literacy, culture, education, environment, history, care, and recreation.

Through the Employee-Directed Giving Program, each employee votes for which local organizations they feel would benefit the most from Friesens charitable giving. The donation amount is correlated to the number of votes the recipient organization received.

Ang Stoesz accepts the cheque from Employee-Owner, Frances Brady.