MLA Kelvin Goertzen presents Hank Klassen with a plaque.

The Chair of Southeast Helping Hands in Steinbach was taken by surprise Tuesday evening. The food bank was holding its volunteer appreciation barbeque when Hank Klassen was called forward for special recognition. Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen did the honours, presenting Klassen with a plaque.

"It's a special time to recognize Hank as somebody who has, for many, many years, been involved in helping those who just need a little bit of a hand up. Whether that's through Community Christmas or through the food bank or with the Lions Club, he's one of those special individuals who doesn't do it for recognition. He didn't ask for recognition and probably didn't want recognition but deserves recognition because there are so many people that he's touched and helped through difficult times, a lot of people that he wouldn't even know."

Goertzen adds Klassen has been a driving force to keep the food bank going.

"There were a lot of people who wondered, 'Do we really need a food bank in Steinbach, is it something that is even good for Steinbach to have?' He stepped up and said, 'Look, when you're trying to have a community, it's not about hiding things that are difficult, it's about responding to those difficult situations.' The food bank was in response to the reality that there are times when people have difficult times in their life and the way to handle that, as a community, is not to hide it and pretend it's not happening. It's to respond to it with compassion."

City councillor Earl Funk pays tribute to Hank Klassen

City councillor Earl Funk also commended Klassen for his huge contribution to the community and his dedication to the cause of easing hunger.
    
How did Klassen respond?

"I'm very surprised, I didn't think I had it coming but it's a great honour."

Klassen says the food bank started 34 years ago when a local mother of four, whose husband had left her, came to the local Lions Club to get help. He adds his motivation over the last three and a half decades since that day has been to help people who are in need.

"You need to help. If you don't help, then you're a coward."