Everyday, there are children in Waterloo Region who go to school hungry, with nothing or very little in their lunch bags. This is the reality at Forest Hill Public School, where school staff have dedicated themselves to making sure all 550 students have food in their bellies.

Currently, the school’s snack program feeds 27 classrooms, three days a week. With the help of staff volunteers, each snack bin contains 10 apples (32 cents each) and a sleeve of crackers (50 cents), costing the school $3.70 per class per day, or $100 in total. The hope for the future is, through continued funding and support, Forest Hill PS can distribute their snack bins five times a week, adding more crackers and apples, while adding other items, such as: bananas, clementines, a protein (cheese/meat), and a vegetable for a variety.

On Thursday, January 29th, Forest Hill PS held their first annual Snack Program Benefit at the Tannery Event Centre, and it far exceeded all expectations! The event had 150 people attend, raising $10,000 between ticket sales and silent auction items. A special thank you to keynote speaker Thanh Campbell, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Inspector Morris from the Waterloo Regional Police Service, and Executive Director Kelly-Sue Labus from Nutrition for Learning for attending the gala – the students of Forest Hill PS will greatly benefit from the generous community support!

For more information on the snack program or to make a donation, please visit www.foresthillsnacks.ca.

 

Guests starting to arrive at the Tannery Event Centre.

Guests starting to arrive at the Tannery Event Centre.

 

All smiles to help put smiles on our students' faces.

All smiles to help put smiles on our students’ faces.

 

Thanh Campbell speaking about his story, 'Orphan 32.'

Thanh Campbell speaking about his story, ‘Orphan 32.’

 

 

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic with a guest and the evening's MC.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic with a guest and the evening’s MC.

 

Forest Hill teacher Anne Campbell & principal Peter Berndt - thanks for all your hard work!

Forest Hill teacher Anne Campbell & principal Peter Berndt – thanks for all your hard work!