What began in 2005 as a project to help a single family in need has turned into a fundraising plan that has helped bring nutritional programs back from the brink of closure at several GTA schools. Carolyn Griffis, a REALTOR® at RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Limited, has rallied over 90 REMAX Hallmark REALTORS® to contribute over $36,000 annually to the Student Nutrition Program.
Started in 1987, the Student Nutrition Program was created by the Toronto District School Board when it became noticeable that many children were coming to school hungry every day.
“The Student Nutrition Program is a critical part of these children’s daily nutritional requirements,” says Griffis. “It was utterly heartbreaking to know that so many were arriving at school without having food in their stomachs – in some cases, without dinner the night before. Teachers were sharing stories of children unable to focus and pay attention in class. Some couldn’t even keep their heads off their desks. It really hits home. Most of us have children of our own. The thought of them going hungry is unimaginable.”
In just two years, Carolyn Griffis and the RE/MAX Hallmark team help provide 1,400 meals and snacks each day, which translates into 7,000 a week or 28,000 monthly at five schools. Ten agents volunteer their time each week with two agents working together at each of the five schools involved in the program.
Other projects that Griffis has been instrumental in initiating include raising $30,000 to build a new kitchen at the First Nations Public School so they could participate in the Student Nutrition Program.
Reports have shown that Griffis’ work is paying off. More students are coming to school on time, with fewer absences overall. Academic performance has increased and there are fewer behavioral issues.
