Caledon Central Public School community collects 1,200 pounds of food for The Exchange

“Scare Hunger” food drive supported by Fines Ford Lincoln

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Caledon school community has come together to make a difference. 

From October 8 to November 1, Caledon Central Public School students and staff, and the school community, collected non-perishable food items for The Exchange, Caledon's home for food and social support. 

In total, they collected over 1,200 pounds of food. 

Fines Ford Lincoln volunteered to deliver the food to The Exchange and donated $1 per pound of food to the non-profit Caledon Community Services (CCS), which runs The Exchange. 

The food drive was called “Scare Hunger” and it was initiated by Madame Arcuri's Grade 3 and 4 split class. 

Students were encouraged to collect as much food as they could with fun rewards like a movie and popcorn afternoon, a class pizza party, and a class Ice Dawgs party.

Caledon Central Public School principal Lesley Kennedy said an additional effort was made recently when students and staff went into Caledon Village and went door-to-door dropping off apples to their community — they collected 80 more food items and $30 in donations for The Exchange.

Kennedy said Caledon Central Public School is committed to creating meaningful community connections and that it's one of the school's passions. 

“We feel that supporting students to expand their learning beyond the classroom and provide real world experiences through the gift of service and care for those around us, ultimately creates better students, and citizens,” said Kennedy. “These trusted relationships with both CCS and our Caledon Village Community develop unique experiences for all stakeholders.”

Kennedy said she was proud her school met their goal of collecting 1,200 pounds of food. The school was able to keep five boxes of food to support anyone in its own school community facing food insecurity.

“We ‘Scared Hunger' and together made a difference in the lives of so many,” said Kennedy.