Last Friday, for the first time, a group of dedicated Backpack Buddies members were granted the opportunity to deliver Collingwood’s food bags directly to the children at Grandview Elementary and Queen Alexander School. Mrs. McCracken – Collingwood’s Backpack Buddies Coordinator and Mr. Black accompanied the eight students for the delivery, where Collingwood donated over 150 food bags.
The entire team of students found the delivery to be a heartening experience, allowing them to directly give back to the community. As grade ten student Eva Cai recounted, “It was such an enriching experience. It made us realize how much these children need our help, and helped give a face to the cause we are helping each month.” Additionally, Susan Ozgur in grade twelve expressed, “It’s so lovely to see firsthand the impact of our work. The children are so appreciative. It is truly such a wonderful program.”
Bottom Left: Thomas Hong- Gr.9, Suzan Ozgur-Gr.12, Kristine Falck – Gr.11, and Bill Kim – Gr.12 handing out Backpack Buddies bags at Grandview Elementary.
Backpack Buddies is a cause dear to Collingwood’s heart, that provides children in the downtown eastside with food bags for the weekend, as often times they have limited or no access to food Friday night through Monday morning. This delivery marks the first of many hands-on deliveries from the Collingwood community.
Be sure to participate in the upcoming Hunger For Change Fast, as all the proceeds will be donated to Backpack Buddies.
By: Kristine Falck