Twenty-five years ago, Anglophone East School District students began collecting food for those who needed it.
Community Engagement Spokesperson Heather Stordy says the annual tradition to Fill the Bus continues.
“Our Aubrey Kirkpatrick started this 25 years ago when he saw a need for food in schools. He’d see kids who were coming to school without breakfast or a snack and even some lunch. This goes directly back to all of our schools and contributes to their school food programs,” Stordy says.
She says it’s youth supporting youth. Last year, with the donations of non-perishable food and monetary donations, the schools raised $133,000.
“There is a cash online if you decide that you’d like to donate, instead of sending food. But you can also send food with your child to school because they’re collecting in our schools. We also have the grocery stores happening this weekend. Atlantic Superstore and Sobeys are participating. Be on the lookout for yellow school buses at your neighbourhood grocery store, and you’ll be able to donate. The youth will be on site both this Saturday, December 7 and next Saturday, December 14,” Stordy adds.
The school buses will be loading up with non-perishable food items between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days.
They’ll accept any donations, but they are especially in need of pasta, canned goods, formula, diapers and other items like that. Stordy says they’ll also be accepting toiletries as well.
The Fill the Bus program runs until December 18 at area schools, which is collection day. That’s when school buses will load up all of the items at each educational facility.
Stordy says online donations though will still be accepted until December 31.
Every year, the high schools go head to head to see who can collect the most food. Last year, Harrison Trimble earned the bragging rights.
“It just fills our buckets watching the youth out there, giving back to the community and helping those who are less fortunate,” Stordy says.
All of the donations benefit local food banks, the Food Depot Alimenataire and Breakfast programs in area schools.
