Trochu town hall is being turned into a makeshift employment office to help laid-off pork plant workers.
About 110 Sunterra Meats workers received temporary layoffs last week so they could begin applying for employment insurance benefits. The plant – the community of 1,100's biggest employer – has been closed since a June 17 damaged part of the plant.
A Sunterra Meats representative has said the company plans to reopen the plant but the extent of the damage, the cost of repairs and a time line for reopening are yet to be determined. An update is expected within the next two weeks.
In the meantime, the community has rallied behind the workers and their families. A pair of fundraisers were held Canada Day to help the workers and the food bank, which has already stepped up to help.
"We had a real big surge in requests," said food bank volunteer Tom Feist. "We had about 20 hamper requests and we usually have 14 a month. So, we're busy."
Trochu Mayor Barry Kletke said the weekend fundraisers did well and there is already another one organized for July 7 at the Trochu Community Centre. The beef and ham supper costs $30 per ticket.
Town and Kneehill Adult Learning staff are provided resume help and Kletke has reached out to nearby mayors and reeves to see what job opportunities they have in their communities.
"We've had lots of interest from people who are looking for people to come work. We're hoping that we can start placing people."
Butcher shops in Penhold and Blackfalds have already said they have openings available and meat plant workers can drop off their resumes at town hall.
"Definitely people are reaching out to help from other communities."
Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek has also offered to help workers navigate employment insurance and immigration bureaucracy.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the fire at Sunterra Meats and to learn that so many people from Trochu and Kneehill County find themselves affected," said Kurek in a recent email.
"It is fortunate that no one was injured, and I know the community will come together. I'm hoping this important local business can be reopened. As the federal representative for the area, I have already been in touch with my provincial and municipal counterparts, as well as the company."
Kurek's office is encouraging any workers who need help to reach out to them for help accessing federal programs.
Those interested in helping out can contact the town at 403-442-3085.