United Way Food for Kids Drive Thru Breakfast set for Friday

Jun 14, 2018 | 10:46 AM

KAMLOOPS — Filling hungry kids’ tummies is the inspiration behind a special fundraiser Friday in Kamloops.

The United Way and Cascades Casino have teamed up for the second annual Food for Kids Drive Thru Breakfast at the casino from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Residents are encouraged to drive through and pick up a “grab-and-go” breakfast for a minimum $10 cash or credit card donation.

You can donate ahead of time or skip the line by pre-ordering 20 or more breakfasts at www.feedingthefuture.ca.

The proceeds from the event will go towards an initiative called “Feeding the Future” — a program that aims to provide nutritious food for kids during the school year and through the summer in summer programs.

The program is a partnership between the United Way, the Kamloops Food Bank and School District 73.

“One in six kids in our community are going to school hungry,” says Geralyn Alain, director of marketing and communications for the United Way Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo. “Whether that’s because of things happening at home capacity-wise or whatever other reason, it’s a staggering statistic and it’s really why we’re hosting the event.”

She notes children who are unable to go to school on a full stomach face some obvious disadvantages.

“They’re not able to focus, they’re not able to learn, they’re not able to play and be kids. And that’s really why we think this event is really crucial to addressing those issues.”

In addition to the breakfast portion of the morning, Alain says the United Way is also hosting a Jail & Bail to raise more funds.

She says this year’s fundraising goal is $75,000 and notes about $62,000 was raised last year.