CUPE 905 will present a cheque for $1,000 to Blessings in a Backpack, a unique program designed to support school children who do not have enough to eat on weekends, on Wednesday, November 10 at 6 p.m.
Families who struggle with hunger or who are ‘food insecure’ and rely on food banks and other resources during the week, often cannot satisfy weekend needs.
Angela McLean, 13, will receive the cheque on behalf of Blessings in a Backpack at a general membership meeting. “We have worked with Angela’s mother and she introduced us to the program,” said Derek Bakshi, president of CUPE 905.
“We will continue to contribute to the community in any manner we can to help improve the quality of life of our fellow residents,” said Bakshi.
One hundred dollars feeds one child for a year. The benefits and impact are immediate—attendance and productivity soar, students report greater attentiveness and improved energy, teachers see improvements in study habits and demeanour.
Kids take home a backpack filled with food every Friday and return the backpack empty on Monday.
CUPE 905 is active in the community offering donations to charities, offering a scholarship program, and holding a benefit golf tournament annually.
What: Cheque presentation
Where: CUPE 905 offices, 20 Charles Street, Newmarket
When: Wednesday, November 10 at 6 p.m.
For further information, please contact:
Lorne Trevors CUPE National Rep 416271-6086
Grant Dart CUPE National Rep 705-641-0968
Wendy Forbes CUPE Communications 416-292-3999