Open Letter: We remain dedicated to our children during COVID-19.

Dear Partners, Donors, Volunteers and Families,

As we know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 16 our whole world changed when our schools closed.  We wondered how we would help our children in these uncertain times.  Our initial reaction was to distribute any food in our KES Breakfast Clubs to children and families in need.  Over $100,000 in food was distributed to families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

We remain dedicated to our children, to their health and their well-being.  We continue to work with our donors to provide food for our children who are in desperate need.  Last week, thanks to a generous donor, we distributed 55 food hampers to families.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reality is children and their families need food now.  In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to work with our Government and Food First NL to reach as many families as possible through the COVID-19 Community Food Program Support Fund.  We will also work directly with our donors and partners to ensure food is available to children in need.

Thank you.

We commend the efforts of like-minded organizations, throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, who provide meals and services to our children each day.

Appreciation and best wishes go to our front-line workers in our health care system, our grocery and trucking industries who work tirelessly to ensure we are safe and that we have the essential services and supplies needed to fight this horrible virus.  Our one simple request is that you please take care of yourselves.

We have received many urgent calls and emails from concerned donors, community leaders and our school community about our children and the new reality of the desperate situations many families find themselves in today.  We want to assure you that we are here, we will be here, and we will continue working with our donors and partners to provide food for our children and their families.

Once this is over, and our schools re-open, we will be here to provide nutritious food at school so children start their days well nourished and ready to learn.

Sincerely,

Celina Stoyles

Executive Director