KITCHENER WATERLOO – Hon. Joseph F. Fontana P.C., Chairman of the Board for Trinity Global Support Foundation, is passionate about the national network of breakfast, lunch, and snack programs run by Show Kids You Care (a project of Trinity Global Support Foundation.)

He is on a mission to feed 250,000 children each week this school year in communities across Canada. This week, he brought his fight against child hunger to House of Friendship’s Courtland Shelley Community Centre program, where he announced funding for House of Friendship’s four Community Centres. A grant of $5,700 will ensure children in the Afterschool programs at the Community Centres receive nutritious snacks in safe and healthy environments.

“Show Kids You Care is committed to feeding hungry children. We want to make sure that kids have reliable access to nutritious food to ensure they have a healthy start in life and are ready to learn,” explained Mr. Fontana.

Prior to making the announcement, Mr. Fontana and his colleagues, Joe Fontana, Jr. CEO; Vince and Karen Ciccone, Founders; and Kristy Taylor, Executive Director, received a guided tour of the Centre hosted by John Neufeld, Executive Director, House of Friendship; Doris Martin, Family Services Program Services Director; and, Doreen West-Gemmell, Community Resource Coordinator.

Located in a town house within the Courtland Shelley community, the Centre is home to programs that support low-income individuals and families. The centre also facilitates community development in the Courtland-Shelley neighbourhood, while striving to improve the quality of life and well-being for residents.

On Wednesday afternoon, children came after school to participate in a reading buddy program that pairs university volunteers with young children. Approximately 15 children enjoyed snacks before diving into a variety of reading materials.

“You can see what a wonderful sense of community these children have coming to the Centre. The support of Show Kids You Care will make their reading experience even more fun, and healthier,” remarked Doris Martin.

The new funding is particularly significant because it marks the first time Show Kids You Care has supported such a program in Waterloo Region. House of Friendship will now join Show Kids

You Care’s network of 460 breakfast clubs, lunch programs, and snack programs that feed 130,000 children 450,000 nutritious meals each week.

House of Friendship is a charitable agency founded in partnership with local Christian churches. 2009 marks its 70th year of service to low-income adults, youth and children in Waterloo Region who are in need of support. It also promotes opportunities for personal growth, wholesome relationships and community development. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors, it serves over 32,500 people annually through 18 different residential and community outreach programs.