Abbotsford Starfish | Backpack Page 3 Starfish

April 21, 2016June 30, 2016

Letter from the Abbotsford School District Superintendent

Updated: June 30, 2016

Starfishpack Abbotsford was recently praised by the School District 34’s Superintendent, Kevin Godden, as being the most notable endeavour in feeding children.

In the article, Kevin outlines the tragedy of the effects of hunger on developing brains.

“Hungry children are distressed children. Research in the field of neuroscience (and common sense) tells us that depriving the body of nutrients has a significant impact on brain development, and consequently one’s ability to learn. We should not be surprised that children who come to school chronically hungry demonstrate more inappropriate behaviours, are more inattentive, and are more likely to exhibit negative interactions with peers and their teachers. If you have ever been hungry for an extended period of time you will know what I am talking about.”

April 13, 2016June 3, 2016

Tiny Philanthropist Helps Hungry Kids

We have a Super Kid on our hands!

With the help of his community, Chase raised over $8,000 for the Abbotsford Starfish Pack Program! Watch the video to hear how giving up a 7th birthday can help feed over 15 hungry children over the weekend for a whole school year!

A Birthday Fundraiser by Chase

Check out this amazing kid! He heard about the Starfish Pack program in Abbotsford and wanted to raise $50 by his birthday to give. He has raised almost $1,000 already and hopes to raise $9,000!

Read this Abbotsford News story to find out more.

Mennonite Brethren Herald Recognizes Starfish Pack

Many MB churches work hard to support the Starfish Pack Program in Abbotsford. They come together with volunteers to shop, assemble and deliver Starfish Pack’s every week.

To read the article by the Mennonite Brethren Herald titled “Community and Church Rally to Feed Hungry Kids” click here.

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June 29, 2015October 1, 2015

Golf Pro Support & YOU!

We are extraordinarily grateful to be selected by Abbotsford’s Golf Pro Nick Taylor and his wife Andie as their charity of choice. RIGHT NOW, we are in a social media challenge to support Nick Taylor and Team RBC as they work together to support the charities they love. Together they could raise up to $300,000 between 15 charities. The best part of the challenge is that we have the power to impact the outcome of this challenge for STARFISH PACK by participating on social media! The challenge ends July 20.

“I see the importance of an organization like the Starfish Pack Program because it recognizes the need for change within our own community and helps meet a basic need for the children they help” – Andie Taylor

‘Community Matters Award’ for Starfish!

In photo: (left to right: Cindy Schafer (Board of Education Chair), Dave Murray (Abbotsford Food Bank Manager), Hugh Ellis (President of Abbotsford Rotary Club), Kevin Godden (Superintendent of School District 34)

The Abbotsford Rotary Club and Abbotsford Food Bank were honoured with the inaugural Community Matters Award on June 16 by the Abbotsford Board of Education at a public meeting.

The Board established the annual ‘Community Matters Award’ earlier this year to recognize community partners who have made a significant contribution to the lives of students in the Abbotsford School District. The award is intended to acknowledge an organization that has exceeded its service mandate to children.

“Community involvement in the Abbotsford School District has been a long and valued tradition,” says Board of Education Chair Cindy Schafer. “Numerous organizations, such as this year’s recipients, contribute resources and countless hours of volunteer service to enable our students to achieve success in school. This is a way for the Board of Education to more formally express its appreciation and acknowledge the support of those involved in such service to our students. This year we are delighted to honour the Abbotsford Rotary Club, Abbotsford Food Bank and Kiwanis Clubs of Abbotsford and Clearbrook.”

Second International Recognition

Photo credit: Bob Knight
Rotary District 5050 Governor Lyle Ryan presents the Outstanding Community Service Award to Abbotsford Rotary Club President Hugh Ellis and club members

The Starfish Pack Program, a joint project between the Abbotsford Food Bank and the Abbotsford Rotary Club, received its second international recognition over the past weekend.

During the annual Rotary 5050 District Conference, held in Tulalip, WA, the Starfish Pack program was presented with McLean Community Service Award, recognizing it as the most outstanding community service project in the Rotary 5050 District. Rotary District 5050 covers 58 Rotary clubs located in both British Columbia and Washington State, in communities from Hope BC to Everett, WA.

Starfish Packs provides weekly backpacks containing six meals each weekend to over 260 elementary school students in 22 Abbotsford schools during the school year. The Program also recently launched its first “Starfish Depot” which will provide food and other resources to school children and their families year round. In its first two years of operation, the program has brought together over 40 local businesses, service clubs, faith groups and hundreds of individuals to fund and deliver the program.