Today, a group of local service clubs came together to pledge $6,000 in funds to purchase grocery gift cards for eight schools to help combat food insecurity.
Rotary Club of Huntsville, Kiwanis Club of Huntsville Muskoka, and the Lions Clubs of Dwight, Dorset, Baysville, and Stephenson all have a common goal of supporting youth in the community.
The initiative, which they have called Joint Service Week, was spearheaded by Rotarian Peter Redwood and Kiwanian Rick Brooks.
“Right now the big concern in schools is food insecurity,” said Brooks. “If you come to school hungry, you aren’t able to learn as well. Food prices are through the roof and we need to help out these families as much as we possibly can.”
The funds were presented to Bruce Reain from the Trillium Lakelands District School Board and Carol Corriveau-Truchon from Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.
The schools receiving the grocery cards are: Huntsville High, Spruce Glen, Pine Glen, Saint Mary’s, Riverside, Irwin Memorial, Huntsville Public, and V K Greer, to help fund their nutrition, breakfast and snack programs.
Peter Redwood, who is the director of community service for his Rotary Club, was initially going to donate $500 directly but then he thought it would make an even bigger impact to team up with other clubs who have the same goal. When he reached out to the other clubs, they were enthusiastic to get involved.
“There is huge power in numbers,” said, Redwood. “In the week it took us to organize this all, we went from $500 to $6,000. We are definitely going to make this an ongoing partnership in order to help these children and their families.”
The schools are no longer able to distribute made-from-scratch goods, fresh fruit, and other similar meals and snacks to students due to COVID, handing out packaged items instead. This has caused their costs to skyrocket.
Once the funds are finalized, the club members will go to Freshco, Metro, and Bullock’s Independent to purchase the gift cards.
“We are hoping that the stores are able to help donate as well,” said Brooks. “They are always so incredibly generous whenever we need their help.”
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