Terry Deets

Terry Deets is the unofficial mayor of the Calgary Food Bank. Everyone who works or volunteers here knows him, because Terry makes sure that he introduces himself to everyone who walks through the door. As our longest serving volunteer, Terry has been with us for over 40 years. Terry started his journey with the Calgary Food Bank when we were located in an old Safeway behind Calgary’s City Hall. His first role was swamper, he assisted truck drivers with their daily donation pick ups from grocery stores throughout the city. Today, he plays a vital roll in preparing the tons of cardboard we receive for recycling and re-use.

Terry begins each shift by making his rounds to say hello to all the staff. He finishes his day by once again, making his rounds to say goodbye.  Long-time employee, Carla Morrison  has known Terry for 23 years. She says, “Terry sees everyone here as family, and we all consider him a part of ours”. Another co-worker, Beth Espey, has known Terry for 17 years and has more than a few fond memories of him. “When I worked in Volunteer Resources and gave birth to my daughter Sam, Terry bought a congratulations card and got all the volunteers to sign it. 12 years later, I still have a photo of Terry holding Sam when she was just a few days old.” To this day Terry continues to check in with Beth, always asking about her kids.  

When asked why he likes to volunteer with us, Terry simply says, “I like to help people”. It’s this desire to help others that has made him a leader within the Calgary Food Bank community and has kept him coming in every single week.

No matter how long you’ve known Terry or what kind of memories you’ve made with him, one sentiment holds true, “the world would be a better place if everyone were like Terry Deets”. 

Thank you for everything you do Terry.