The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s Food & Friends Program supports 106 student nutrition programs in Dufferin, Wellington and Guelph. Local children and youth have access to nutritious food through breakfast, morning meal, lunch and snack programs in a safe and convenient environment so they can have the energy they need to focus on their school work and get them through the day. With the help of dedicated program coordinators and volunteers, Food & Friends is bringing healthy food to hungry minds for over 17,000 local students.

Providing access to wholesome, healthy food is just one of the ways the Children’s Foundation empowers children and youth to build hope for lifelong change and break the cycle of poverty. For families living in low-income situations, healthy nutrition is often a luxury they cannot afford. By extending a helping hand to the children and families that need one, the Foundation builds and supports a community where every child and youth has the opportunity to grow to their full potential. The Help Kids Live Free From Hunger Campaign raises awareness and much-needed funds for vital student nutrition programs. For the past six years, the Campaign has also received generous support from the Ontario Teachers’ Insurance Plan and local business Ceramic Decor, ensuring continued access of healthy nutrition for local students.

Each year, from January to March, student nutrition programs receiving funding through Food & Friends participate in the Live Free Campaign and reach out to their communities for support. Every dollar raised by each program stays in the school, supporting the longevity of the program. Communities and local businesses are invited to step forward and get involved in the programs in their own neighbourhoods and positively influence the future of their communities by investing in the health and wellness of local children and youth.

The Children’s Foundation acknowledges the efforts of programs fundraising and awards the top recipient in four categories an additional $250 for outstanding success. This year, in Dufferin, Sanoh Canada Ltd. sponsors the Strongest Spirit Award in Dufferin; in Wellington, Meridian Fergus sponsors the Most Improved Award and Strongest Spirit Award and Fergus Educational Services sponsors the Most Funds Raised Per Capita Award; and in Guelph, DENSO Manufacturing Canada, Inc. sponsors all four awards (Most Improved Program, Most Funds Raised Online, Most Funds Raised Per Capita and the Strongest Spirit Award). DENSO has been a strong supporter of the Live Free Campaign and the Children’s Foundation, dedicated to helping provide opportunities for local kids to build hope for brighter futures.

The regional award recipients are:

In Dufferin: Laurelwoods Elementary School for Most Improved Program, raising $1,081 more than in 2017; Grand Valley & District Public School for Most Funds Raised Online, raising $381 through online donations; Laurelwoods Elementary School for Most Funds Raised Per Capita, raising $1,863 by 326 students; and Westside Secondary School for the Strongest Spirit Award, hosting a school-wide “minute-to-win-it” game day for all students and staff.

In Wellington: The four Wellington award recipients are: St. Mary Catholic School for Most Improved Program, raising $718 more than in 2017; Arthur Youth Options for Most Funds Raised Online and for Most Funds Raised Per Capita, raising $509 through online donations and a total of $709 by 20 students; and J.D. Hogarth Public School for the Strongest Spirit Award, hosting an Olympic theme complete with an Olympic Ring Toonie Tracker and a visit from Canadian Olympian Krista DuChene who spoke to the students about the importance of healthy eating and pursuing their dreams.

In Guelph: Kortright Hills Public School for Most Improved Program, raising $1,838 more than in 2017; John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute for Most Funds Raised Online, raising $1,394 through online donations; Shelldale Better Beginnings, Better Futures for Most Funds Raised Per Capita, raising $900 by 65 students; and St. John Bosco Secondary School for the Strongest Spirit Award, hosting a community Live Free luncheon which raised $713 for the school’s vital nutrition program.

The Foundation extends its sincere thanks and congratulations to all staff, students, parents, volunteers and community members who took part in this year’s Live Free Campaign to help local kids live free from hunger.

Click here to see photos from the 2018 Live Free Celebrations.