When the pandemic hit our Club faced a number of challenges. One of which was that our normal fundraising activities (Casinos and Wine Tasting fundraiser) had to be cancelled. We did not have the source of funds that we were used to to fund our charitable activities.
We could not participate in many of the community charitable activities like the Mustard Seed meal prep etc,
Gary Smith is in the front lines of our educational system and he identified an urgent need in some of our schools in less affluent neighbourhoods. Many of the charities that had been providi9ng meals for their students were unable to do so because of the pandemic but kids were still coming to school hungry. Gary thought that our club could help. We could purchase prepackaged food and put together lunch bags for the kids that could be distributed in a covid safe manner.
GATEWAY Rotary has taken on Gary’s challenge. We raised funds from private donations and from a bottle drive. To date we have purchased, packaged and delivered 1800 food packages to the following schools;
- Ivor Dent school -800 lunches
- Laudedale School – 400 lunches and;
- Prince Charles school – 600 lunches
This is a great story of the generosity and impact of our little Club. We need, however to extend our thanks for the efforts of our members who have made this project a success;
- Gary Smith who brought this idea to the Club;
- Gary Smith and Elizabeth Bonkink who purchased supplies and delivered 600 lunches to the Prince Charles School
- Pat and Joan Coyle who purchased, packaged and delivered 400 meals to the Lauderdale School;
The Club members who attended our only in person meeting during the pandemic at the McKay school who helped package 400 lunches for the Prince Charles school
