DUNNVILLE—The Dunnville Aeros, Haldimand’s newest hockey franchise, are behind a $4,251 donation to the Child Nutrition Network (CNN), with the funds directly benefitting local schools.
The funds were raised through a jersey auction at a charity game on November 11 in support of the Aeros Battle Hunger Initiative. Participants had the chance to bid on limited edition game-worn jerseys inspired by Canadian Air Force uniforms and adorned with poppies.
The donation marks the first fundraising effort from the team and was spearheaded by Ward 6 Councillor Patrick O’Neill, also a member of the Aeros Ownership Group.
“It came out of a conversation between the Aeros Ownership Group about the important role nutrition plays in your ability to perform at your highest level. That combined with our understanding of the current need for food programs in Dunnville,” said O’Neill. “With Dunnville having various programs battling food insecurity, such as REACH and the Salvation Army Food Bank, we knew it was the right choice to direct our efforts.”
Sharon Smyth is a Community Facilitator for CNN. She said the need for the program is stronger than ever, with around 9,300 students accessing the program across 45 schools in Haldimand and Norfolk. According to Smyth, that number is up about 30% from last year.
CNN’s role in the community is primarily to assist running student nutrition programs, such as with menu planning, organizing volunteers, and day-to-day operations.
With government funding dispersed through REACH, Smyth and the team at CNN ensure funds are distributed evenly to the various local programs. When a corporation like the Aeros donate, they have a say in where that money is dispersed, with Thompson Creek Elementary getting a percentage of the funds for their breakfast program.
Program co-ordinator Kathy Egger leads a team of more than 20 active volunteers that help prepare the food each week at Thompson Creek.
“We run a five-day program with hot food like waffles, French toast, egg wraps, mac and cheese, and toast. Lots of cut up veggies, fruit, cheese and crackers, yogurt, milk, water. We serve over 200 students every day,” said Egger. “All students are welcome to attend or participate at all the schools.”
Smyth added, “We have a farm-to-school program that has access to local apples, local cucumbers, berries from Richardson’s Market in Dunnville. They’re making smoothies and parfaits and things like that. The kids are getting a variety of local produce.”
Egger has seen first-hand how needed the program is: “The students know it is a constant; it will be there every day of the week for them. A full stomach is comforting and helps with concentration in the classroom and energy in the gym…. The other benefit is the students coming in getting their food and sitting and visiting with other students. I’m sure many go home and don’t sit and eat at a table with family.”
O’Neill couldn’t be happier to support the program through his team, noting, “They do such important work for our community. The volunteer efforts of their team are very inspiring.”
The fundraiser was the first in what O’Neill sees as an ongoing effort to battle local hunger. That effort will continue with the team’s next initiative, a food drive happening at the team’s game on Saturday, December 23 against the Orangeville Blitz. All collected foods will go to the Dunnville Salvation Army Food Bank.
“Everyone who brings a non-perishable food item will be entered into a draw for some cool prizes. We hope people will dig deep and donate lots of food so we can make a sizeable donation. We will also be hosting an ugly sweater contest that night as well,” said O’Neill.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the Dunnville Aeros hockey team for doing this fundraiser,” said Egger. “The reality is hunger in the schools is increasing. The cost of food has increased, and it is very difficult for families to afford.”
Those interested can also keep an eye on the Aeros webpage for information on future fundraising efforts: “Each year we will be focusing at least one game on raising funds for these programs and ideally an event or two in the off-season as well,” said O’Neill.
Smyth called donations from organizations like the Aeros crucial to keeping things running smoothly, adding, “This money will stay in the community in Dunnville. It will support student nutrition.”
Smyth said that during the pandemic, schools were forced to purchase more pre-packaged food items that drove up the cost and resulted in a smaller yield, but with life returning to normal, programs are back to finding ways to stretch their budgets as far as possible.
“Some of our volunteers are able to spend more time cutting up peppers and cucumbers and cheese and things like that. That’s a way to save a bit of additional money instead of buying pre-packaged stuff,” she explained.
She had nothing but praise for the team at Thompson Creek, noting that many of the volunteers are the grandparents of students at the school: “They see there’s a huge need, otherwise they wouldn’t be in there five days a week.”
Egger and Smyth both noted that those who missed the Aeros fundraiser but would like to donate to the program can do so in a variety of ways, including by donating directly to the school of their choice or to REACH through their website.
