While schools are shut down because of COVID-19 pandemic, Jason Rochon, a Grade 3 to 4 student support worker at Joamie Ilinniarvik School is dedicated to continuing the breakfast and snack programs. This means volunteering for up to 14 hours a day. PSAC’s member, Jason, shared his inspiring story with us:
“When schools are open, I run a breakfast program. I also started a food bank for children. I see first-hand every day how much our children rely on breakfast and snack programs at schools.
With the school closures because of Covid-19, I wanted to do something to help fill the gap because children wouldn’t be able to access school breakfast programs they rely on.
My goal was to get 200 breakfast bags to kids every day. The program grew to 300, 400 and even over 500 breakfast served a day.
People and small businesses have been so kind with their time and making donations. I’m hoping to get enough funding to keep going till the end of June. I would hate to have to close up now. Children are so excited to get their breakfast. I wish all the generous people who have sent 10$, 30$, 150$, etc. could see the smiles on the children’s faces and know the impact they are making.
Teams of volunteers are working 1-3 hours in the mornings and 2-4 hours in the evenings and I can’t thank them enough. I had no idea when we started that this was going to take 8 to 14 hours a day of my time, but I know it’s worth it. This breakfast program is one of the best examples of teamwork I’ve seen, and I love seeing acts of kindness in motion.”
