A child’s school years should be a great time of growth and development but it doesn’t come without it’s challenges. Paying attention all day can be a chore in and of itself, much less trying to do so on an empty stomach. The unfortunate reality is that far too many children go to school hungry, which has been proven to have a substantially negative impact on most other aspects of their education.
In Montreal, the Generations Foundation has tackled this issue head-on since 1999. Under the leadership of founder Adrian Bercovici, the organization has provided nutritious breakfasts, hot lunches and snacks on a daily basis to over 7,700 schoolchildren in 96 schools and learning centers since its inception.
In addition to providing food to students at no cost to schools or parents, Generations has also introduced special programs designed to assist children in becoming more independent and self-sufficient. These initiatives include cooking classes and after-school programs where older students assist younger students with their homework. Over the years, the results have spoken for themselves and the feedback of educational professionals attests to the efficacy of these programs.
Generations Foundation receives no government assistance and relies on the generosity of caring individuals who offer their support. Many events are also organized throughout the year to raise funds, including concerts, theatre evenings, golf tournaments and celebrity breakfasts. Meanwhile, an annual holiday toy and food drive provides thousands of toys and much-needed sustenance to disadvantage families.
The assistance offered by Generations doesn’t end with the school year. Donations are also collected specifically for a summer camp program for children aged 6-16. The foundation has partnered with Trail’s End Camp, a Quebec Camping Association member located in the Laurentians. This program allows children to sleep in comfortable cabins, eat healthy meals be able to enjoy the stunning natural beauty; whereas they might not have the opportunity to do so otherwise.
The Cozy Shop is proud to partner with the Generations foundation and to provide them with a children’s sleepwear item for every one purchased by a customer between September 6 and 18. For more information about Generations and to find out how you can offer further support, visit www.generationsfoundation.com