March 5 will be the second annual Live Free Day in Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin Counties.
On that day, schools, businesses, and individuals are being challenged to give up something they take for granted each day in honour of kids in the community who are going to school too hungry to learn.
Participants will promise to Live Free of a daily treat and donate the money they would normally spend on that item.
All money raised goes to Food and Friends to support the 65 student nutrition programs in Guelph, Wellington, and Dufferin.
According to the Canadian Journal of Medicine, 1 in 5 children in Canada are hungry – defined as a lack of access to nourishment to assist in their physical and emotional growth. The Live Free campaign focuses on raising funds to address child hunger.
Participants who have already accepted the Live Free challenge include the Upper Grand District School Board, the Wellington Catholic District School Board, Liz Sandals constituency office, Mayor Karen Farbridge, Guelph Hydro, Linamar Corporation, and over 18,000 primary and secondary school students.
“I’m pleased to live free of breakfast on March 5 in support of the Food and Friends program,” said Mayor Karen Farbridge
“Even in Guelph, Canada’s most caring community, there are children who go to school too hungry to learn.
“By supporting the Live Free campaign, we can make a big difference in the lives of local children.”
To find out more about the campaign and to register, visit www.livefreecampaign.ca or contact the Children’s Foundation at 519-826-9551.
The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington believes every child has the right to go to school well nourished and ready to learn.
The Food and Friends program achieves that by supporting 65 student nutrition programs in Guelph, Wellington, and Dufferin Counties.
In the current school year, over 11,000 students will access the snacks and meals provided by Food and Friends.
