CUPE Local 716, representing K-12 support staff in School District 38, is supporting the Richmond Food Program and the district's Feed-U-Cate-38 program that provide food to Richmond families. CUPE 716 President Ian Hillman and First Vice President Stacey Robinson presented a cheque in the amount of $547 to School Board Chair Ken Hamaguchi today at Richmond Secondary School.
SD38 has been providing food support for families in need by feeding children nutritious breakfast and lunch in schools during the year. This year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and suspension of in-class learning, SD38 began delivering food to their families on April 8. The donation will also help with SD38's Feed-U-Cate-38 program that has provided grants to schools to buy food for students since 2012.
"This year we wanted to do a little more because of the pressing needs in the community caused by the pandemic," said Hillman. "Our district's program is important to students and families and we are pleased to support it."
CUPE members who are involved include the grounds crew who pick up food from the food bank and a number of grocery stores, education assistants who receive the food and prepare bags for delivery, custodians who are sanitizing work areas, and members from the transportation department who are helping distribute hampers.
The local usually donates funds raised at their Christmas party to the Feed-U-Cate-38 Program but this year decided to donate additional funds.
