Mocktail Fest

Community Support

In the past, this enthusiastic couple has promoted events like the Rocky Mountain Wine Festival, Whiskey Global and more. As avid supporters of the Calgary Food Bank, they were determined to create an event they could call their own. Mocktail Fest was conceived after they saw how popular mocktails are among the younger generation.  

Ruth explains that giving back is an important part of everything they do, and she was already volunteering here at the Calgary Food Bank, so the decision to make us the charity of choice felt natural.  

“I like the work that is done here, and you are doing it without government funding. I have a soft spot for anything that has been bootstrapped.” 

Ruth has been volunteering in the call centre since June of 2024, blocking off time in her calendar every Wednesday morning to be ‘the voice of the Calgary Food Bank” for people needing food support.

“It’s nice to be able to chat and interact with [clients] and make their day a little bit brighter,” says Fletcher-Beck, “I just think that that is important, if you can impart a little bit of sunshine to someone, even if they are going through a tough time or they may feel bad, you can just make them feel a little better.” 

Ruth has seen firsthand how demand for the Calgary Food Bank’s services has been creeping up over the months. She recalls a time that she had a client on the phone crying because he felt guilty asking for help.  He felt like he was taking food away from someone else. Ruth said it’s easy for donors and clients alike to feel powerless during tough times.