In January, ten of Black Gold’s employees had the opportunity to volunteer with Brown Bagging For Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK), and it was an amazing experience.
Since 1990, BB4CK has been helping kids who go without food during their school day by providing lunches and snacks that will keep them going all day. Black Gold had the opportunity to help feed 4,400 students across 220 Calgary schools. Each lunch for the students costs $2 to make and deliver, and BB4CK strives to ensure the lunches that are provided have a high nutritional value to meet and exceed Canada’s nutrition guide.
Since BB4CK works closely with Calgary schools, families are encouraged to notify the school if they need help feeding their children lunch and BB4CK will provide lunch to the children. Similarly, teachers and staff of elementary, junior high and high schools are also encouraged to identify children who do not have a lunch or are coming to school without a lunch; they will then be added to the lunch program.
Not only does BB4CK have its kitchen in downtown Calgary that supports 40 per cent of the students who are fed, but they rely on community groups which provide for 60 per cent of the 4,400 students who need to be fed each day. Each week BB4CK is supported by approximately 400 volunteers, these volunteers do anything from preparing and packaging to delivering and driving. On top of the 400 volunteers, BB4CK has 12 full-time, and part-time staff members that ensure all children in need are accounted for and ensure they look forward to a nutritious lunch.
BB4CK operates solely on community donations, either from large corporations or community groups/members who hold fundraisers. Since BB4CK relies on community funding, it allows for a deeper connection with the entire Calgary community and the ability to give back in a big way. The majority of the food that BB4CK uses is bought with generous donations from the community, but BB4CK also has strong relationships with various vendors throughout the city who offer support.
“Brown Bagging for Calgary’s kids is committed to a future Calgary where no child goes hungry. Through awareness and outreach, we will work with every school in our city, identifying needs and empowering Calgarians to create lasting social impact by using their heads, hearts and hands to find ways to feed and care for kids who would otherwise go without” (Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, Our History. n.d.).
BB4CK is always looking for eager volunteers to help provide for 4,400 children per day. You can volunteer as an individual or as a group. The experience you will receive is remarkable and will open your eyes to the amount of support and love goes into preparing lunches for children.
Black Gold had a group of ten employees attend; each one of us had a smile on our face when we left and more knowledge of how many children need a lunch each day. The number 4,400 is staggering to think about, but all it takes is a few hours to help the children in our city.
Wendy, Volunteer and Fund Development Coordinator
Instagram: @bb4ck
Twitter: @BrownBaggingIt
Facebook: Brown Bagging For Calgary’s Kids
Or visit their website for more information on how you can help:
