Food for Kids delivers 506 meals in St Catharines to hungry children each weekend. They are 1/3 of the way to their goal. Amber recognized the work our club does when we fill 500+ bags per session. She is looking for people to deliver the bagged food.
Pam Sharp came to us from Niagara Children’s Centre. Niagara Children Centre - Home .We can be proud that this is an organisation founded by Rotary Clubs 60 years ago. It is one of 21 such centres that serve children up to age 18 (or 21 if in school). Facts: CARF certified, 16.2 million budget, 160 employees, physicians on site, therapy pool, staff that listen to gain understanding. Families can register themselves or be referred by a physician.
At our June 24 meeting, President Bryan Pett welcomed two outstanding guest speakers who reminded us of the incredible impact local organizations are making in the lives of children and families throughout Niagara.
Food4Kids Niagara
Amber from Food4Kids Niagara shared the organization's mission of ensuring that no child goes hungry over the weekend. While many students have access to breakfast and lunch programs during the school week, weekends can be a very different story for families struggling with food insecurity.
In St. Catharines alone, 506 food packages are delivered every weekend to children who would otherwise go without enough to eat. While this is an impressive achievement, Amber explained that the organization is only one-third of the way toward meeting the growing need in our community.
Amber expressed her sincere appreciation for the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore's ongoing partnership. Our members regularly volunteer to pack more than 500 food bags during each packing session, helping ensure children receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.
As Food4Kids continues to expand, Amber noted that additional volunteer drivers are urgently needed to deliver the packed food to local schools for distribution. This is another meaningful opportunity for community members to make a direct difference in a child's life.
Niagara Children's Centre
Pam Sharp from the Niagara Children's Centre introduced members to the remarkable work being done to support children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication challenges across the Niagara Region.
Many members may not realize that the Niagara Children's Centre was founded by Rotary Clubs more than 60 years ago, making it a wonderful example of Rotary's lasting legacy in our community. Today, it is one of 21 Children's Treatment Centres in Ontario, providing specialized services to children from birth to age 18 (or age 21 for those still attending school).
Pam shared several impressive facts about the Centre:
- A $16.2 million annual operating budget
- More than 160 dedicated employees
- Physicians and specialists on site
- A specialized therapy pool
- CARF accreditation, recognizing excellence in quality and service
- A family-centred approach where staff take the time to listen, understand, and develop individualized care plans
Families can access services through physician referrals or by registering directly, helping ensure children receive the support they need as early as possible.
Both presentations were inspiring reminders of how Rotary partnerships continue to strengthen our community and improve the lives of local children and families. Our club is proud to support organizations like Food4Kids Niagara and the Niagara Children's Centre, whose work truly embodies Rotary's commitment to Service Above Self.