Rocky View Schools (RVS) donated $1,000 to the Airdrie Food Bank in recognition of 18 years of service and assistance with R.J. Hawkey’s breakfast program, Feb. 15.
“The Airdrie Food Bank has been instrumental in providing thousands of R.J. Hawkey students with a nutritious start to their day over the years and we are so appreciative of their unwavering support and dedication,” said Nikki Hall, community partner program co-ordinator with RVS. “We wanted to give back to an organization that has given our school communities so much, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them.”
Airdrie Food Bank Executive Director Lori McRitchie said the kids are the true beneficiaries of the money.
“This program gives students a place where they feel comfortable bringing other kinds of issues, such as those related to family, school, or peers, to the table. Our volunteers provide an extra level of support so that by the time class starts, they feel settled and ready to learn,” she said. “What started as a breakfast program almost 20 years ago has evolved into something much more beneficial.”
McRitchie began volunteering for the breakfast program in 1996 as an RVS staff member, and was named program director two years later. In 2006, she accepted the executive director role with the Airdrie Food Bank and it was at this point that R.J. Hawkey’s breakfast program came under the organization’s umbrella. She still volunteers each week for R.J.’s program, which she calls “near and dear” to her heart.
