We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Dan Edwards from the Wood Buffalo Food Bank Association.

What is your role in food banking?
I am the Executive Director of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank Association

Describe a typical day in one word. 
It ends in “Y” lol I guess “everchanging”

What was your inspiration to get involved in food banking?
Honestly, I was looking for a change after working in group homes and with children. Also, an opportunity to work with Arianna Scott again in a new area of the sector was appealing. I have a longstanding desire to help people and it seemed like an excellent opportunity to grow while doing this.

What is your greatest achievement in your current role?
The greatest achievement in my role is the purchase of a new building and having an amazing team to support me along the way.  As it is only through the support of them that I am able to achieve anything.

What is your greatest challenge in your current role?
Well if you can’t say Covid-19, or a natural disaster, or another natural disaster, or a down turning economy,  I would probably say loneliness and mental stress. 

If you could have one wish granted that would address hunger in Canada what would it be?
Equal and uninhibited access to necessities is required to battle food security for everyone.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Spelunking, no particular reason its just fun to say so it would be nice to actually know how to do it too.

If you could tell your younger self advice, what would it be?
Insert lyrics to “wear sunscreen” by Baz Luhrmann,  I heard it as my younger self and it still holds true today and is my go to when I need a self boost.

Who are your heroes?  Fictional or real life
Dennine Giles, she is an owner of the local Ford Dealership and was a former member of our Board of Directors.  She is one of the kindest, business astute, generous people I have the pleasure of knowing and when I question my thoughts I try to think of what she would do in a situation.

What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is not about smiling or laughing.  Happiness is being content with where you are and what is surrounding you, and having the supports around you for when contentment is not achievable.

What is your motto?
It was “say yes and figure it out later” however I have modified it to “say maybe and let me figure out how to make that a yes by me or someone else that is better suited”

Something quirky about you that others may not expect or know?
This is tough. I’m quirky and I own it. Usually when people say that, it surprises me and I ask them, “really”?, they usually  respond with “no”
I guess I have 42 stuffed elephants all named George, but George the first is Quebecois.
  
Your theme song?
“I’ve Had the Time of My life” -Bill Medly and Jennifer Warnes, Dirty Dancing (not that sacrilegious remix version)

Do you know a food bank or food banker that could be featured on our next Spotlight? Contact us at communications@foodbankscanada.ca.