Twice a month the Southeast Helping Hands Food Bank has a Hamper Pick-up Day and it just so happens that Wednesday, during a regular pick-up day, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a free BBQ and get a COVID –19 Vaccine.

The Community BBQ and Vaccine Clinic is actually open to the public, with no obligation on anyone simply stopping by the Food Bank to pick up their hamper or anyone stopping by to enjoy a free hot dog and drink to get a vaccine.

However, for those that are interested in receiving their 1st or 2nd dose of a vaccine, a tent will be set up on the Steinbach United Church parking lot, next door to the Food Bank. No pre-registration will be required. Simply bring your MB Health Card and a piece of ID.

Hank Klassen Board Chair of the Southeast Helping Hands, also representing the Steinbach Lions club says,

“We just want to give people in the low-income bracket, a chance to get a vaccine and help keep each other healthy.” Klassen continues, “It will be on the same day as hamper day is here, but it's open to the general public. So, if you want to come and get your second shot, first shot, whatever, doesn't matter. There would be no waiting list. No appointment, just come. We even have a little incentive, two $100 Gift Cards to Steinbach Sobeys.”

And, Klassen teases, “we might have some entertainment yet too that is coming.”

The Food Bank pickup itself starts at 2pm, while the Community BBQ and Clinic is from 1:30pm to 5:30pm, “so people who would pick up their hamper can come anyway. They don't need to get a vaccine, but if they want to, it's here.”

A Pharmacist from Sobeys has volunteered his time and will be on hand to answer questions and administer the vaccine.

For the Food Bank Hamper pick-up, guests are still invited to line up in front of Southeast Helping Hands food bank and if you’d like to partake in the BBQ and Clinic, please go to the Church parking lot.

Klassen says, if Wednesday’s event is successful and there appears to be interest from others wanting a vaccine, they will host another Community BBQ and Clinic on Wednesday, September 29th.