Volunteer Spotlight – Volunteering to support my community

I was introduced to the Breakfast Club at Glenview PS a few years ago by a fellow parent.  As a mother of two young children with a background in nursing, I immediately fell in love with the program’s mission – providing healthy snacks for students to ensure they have the energy they need for the day.

Like many busy families, our mornings can be rushed.  I know that if my kids don’t eat, they’ll struggle to focus at school.  That’s why the Breakfast Club at Glenview PS is so important.  It’s there for every student – whether they were dropped off early, overslept, or their family is facing food security challenges.  No matter the reason, the program ensures all students have access to a nutritious snack before or during their school day.  

I was inspired by the universal access model of Halton Food for Thought (HFFT) programs and began volunteering.  A few years later, I’m proud to be the lead volunteer, working behind the scenes to order food, plan menus, and recruit other volunteers to help feed the students of Glenview PS.

I like to think of the Glenview Breakfast Club as a metaphor for gathering around the table with family and friends.  Every day, we see familiar, smiling faces – students eager to participate and help.  As they gather around the food carts, we hear laughter, feel the excitement, and are always impressed by their kindness and manners.  These mealtime moments are at the heart of our program’s success.  Because it’s not just about the food (although delicious food can certainly brighten a tough day!) - it’s about creating moments that matter, turning them into lasting memories.  The Glenview Breakfast Club gets to see the best of our school community, and I’m grateful the magic of food brings us all together.

Inspired by what I’ve seen at Glenview, I joined HFFT Board of Directors, where I share firsthand insights into the challenges and impact of these programs.  I also Chair the Fundraising Committee, working alongside Board Members and HFFT staff to plan events like our annual Breakfast Bash and other initiatives that help fund program growth across the region.  

Giving back to my Burlington community and supporting the wider Halton region through HFFT has been incredibly rewarding.  I see the impact of these programs every day and love being a part of these meaningful mealtime moments.  

If you’re thinking about getting involved as a volunteer, I encourage you to reach out and explore the opportunities available across Halton.  You never know the difference you might make.

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