Chilliwack – Currently, estimates suggest more than 600 children in Chilliwack go to school hungry on Monday mornings. The Starfish Pack program works to combat this problem locally. The program presently runs in 6 schools and provides 110 kids in Chilliwack with food every weekend of the school year. Every year, the program is looking to extend its help as its vision is to see no child in the Chilliwack elementary school system go hungry over the weekend.
Jane Ullyot, the founder and coordinator of Starfish Pack in Chilliwack: “It has been so heartwarming to see how both individuals and businesses in Chilliwack have really come together to address this need in our community. When children receive regular meals, we notice it at school. Attendance improves, students are better able to concentrate and they are more positive. Parents are very appreciative of having the food on the weekend – we often get little notes of thanks left in the backpacks when they are returned to the school each week and I have seen tears in the eyes of parents, children and teachers on more than one occasion. This program truly makes a difference to so many.”
Luke Zacharias, partner at the law firm, “Baker Newby is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2017. As a part of this celebration, the partners at Baker Newby are making a donation to the Starfish Program in Chilliwack in the amount of $40,000. We are grateful for our 80 years servicing the community of Chilliwack and this donation is a reflection of that gratitude.”
Baker Newby LLP presented Starfish Pack Chilliwack with a cheque for $40,000 at McCammon Traditional Elementary School, where the program had its start. The law firm will continue to match dollar for dollar all local donations to Starfish Pack up to a maximum of $80,000 before the end of 2017.
To donate visit http://starfishpack.com/Chilliwack/
