A local dealership in Lloydminster is making students in the area aren’t going hungry this year.
Silverwood Toyota donated $50 for every car sold during the month of October to the Lloydminster Public School Division’s Nutrition and Breakfast program and raised $2,600 in total. Earlier this year, the dealership once again provided support to the program through their Reels on Wheels event which gathered over $2,700.
LPSD Wellness and Nutrition Coordinator Sarah Paterson says the donation will cover about 1,500 meals for students across the schools in the division. She adds the program is a universal one and can be accessed by all students at any time, including if they have to move into remote learning.
“Having donations like this helps us buy products that are individually wrapped that we can ensure are clean and sterilized and going out to students. It has seen an increase in costs and with the economy, as it is in Lloydminster right now, we are seeing an increase in students accessing this program so donations are very helpful at this time.”
Silverwood Toyota General Manager Brian Dawson says they are passionate about the program and it is one that’s needed especially during current times.
“To have the opportunity to give back a little bit where we feel it’s necessary and making sure these kids are going to school with full bellies and making sure there’s a little less strain on them at a time where they’re really vulnerable. We’re really proud to be able to do that.”
Paterson thanks Silverwood Toyota as well as other groups in the community who continue to fund the program such as the Lloydminster & District Co-op’s Fuel Good Day and the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre.
“We’re so fortunate to live in a community that steps up and helps our students and our families. We’ve had very generous community partners this year. Without their help, we couldn’t do what we do and feed the students every day.”