By: Nikhil Evan Aranha
The Value of a Dollar in Feeding Futures
Would you like to contribute a dollar towards helping children’s education programs?
Would you like to contribute a dollar towards helping sick children?
Would you like to donate a dollar to help cure polio in third-world countries?
We have heard these questions at the cash counter at a coffee shop, convenience stores, and clothing outlets. In most cases, we just say yes to it because that $1 makes little difference to us. But what if I told you that your $1 could help serve 9000 meals a week across 30 communities across Southern Ontario?
Well, if you’re already thinking of adding another couple of dollars to your contribution, you have landed in the right place.
The Children’s Breakfast Club has been making this possible for the last 40 years. With a strong footing in local communities, they have been able to keep children playing and succeeding at school instead of fighting and struggling because of hunger and inadequate nutrition. Caring, sharing and respect are key values for Children’s Breakfast Club, demonstrated in the events they host for their child clients.
But more than their commitment to the children is their commitment to making sure that almost everything that they receive goes towards charitable activities and programs.
The Journey of Your Donation: The cost of helping
It is probably not new knowledge that most charities are unable to or do not give away all the products and money that are donated to them. Only a tiny portion of your donation will go toward covering the overhead and administrative costs of the organization. Some interpret this news as cause for concern. Nevertheless, you must also remember that your donations still help a worthy cause by enabling the group to continue operating, although only a marginal portion of them go toward administrative expenses.
When you give money to a charity, most of them retain a tiny portion to cover other expenses. When you donate products, charities frequently sell any that are judged inappropriate and keep the proceeds for administrative costs. On average 60 percent of money received goes towards charitable efforts while a major chunk goes towards administrative costs and overhead expenses.
The Promise: 87 cents of every $1 goes towards feeding children.
The Children’s Breakfast Club stands by the promise that 87 cents of every $1 go towards feeding children. This may seem like nothing, but it is a near-impossible task to achieve for an organization that was built on nothing but people’s commitment to better futures for our children.
The remaining 13 cents of every $1 donated to Breakfast Clubs are allocated towards administrative costs and fundraising efforts. This ensures the sustainability of their programs and helps in expanding their reach to support more children.
Children pay $0.25 per meal on an honor system basis so they/their families can feel respected for their contributions. Additionally, Parents are encouraged to participate in whatever ways they can.
In this way, the individual Breakfast Club locations become an integrated part of each community.
Tim Hortons x The Children’s Breakfast Club
Image Credit: The Children’s Breakfast Club
The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, in collaboration with the Children’s Breakfast Clubs, stands as a remarkable model of how corporate partnerships can significantly amplify the impact of charitable organizations. This initiative involves selling special “Smile Cookies” at Tim Hortons locations, with the entirety of the proceeds going directly to support local charities, including the Children’s Breakfast Clubs.
The essence of the Smile Cookie campaign is not just in the funds it raises, but also in the awareness it brings to the crucial work done by organizations like the Children’s Breakfast Clubs. These clubs play a pivotal role in ensuring that children across Southern Ontario start their day with a nutritious breakfast, which is fundamental to their ability to learn and grow both academically and socially.
The collaboration between Tim Hortons and the Children’s Breakfast Clubs through the Smile Cookie campaign is a testament to the power of partnership between the corporate sector and charitable organizations. It showcases how businesses can leverage their resources and customer base to support vital community initiatives, thereby fostering a spirit of generosity and communal support. By participating in the Smile Cookie campaign, the community not only enjoys a delicious treat but also contributes to a cause that ensures every child has access to a healthy start to their day.
For more information about the Children’s Breakfast Clubs and their initiatives, including their collaboration with the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, you can visit their official website at www.breakfastclubs.ca. This collaboration not only highlights the impact of their work but also serves as an inspiring model of how partnerships can extend the reach and effectiveness of charitable programs.
How You Can Help: Joining the Cause
Your support need not be limited to dollars. To support the Breakfast Clubs organization, there are multiple avenues for involvement, tailored to various interests and capacities for giving. This organization thrives on the generous support of volunteers and donors who contribute their time, resources, or financial aid to ensure children have access to nutritious breakfasts.
Interested individuals can engage in volunteer activities, ranging from hands-on assistance in breakfast programs to administrative support. Start your volunteer journey here.
Financial donations are crucial for the sustainability of their programs, directly impacting their reach and effectiveness. You can click on the following link to donate.
Additionally, donations of food and necessary supplies are always welcomed to help meet the immediate needs of the children they serve. For those looking to make a significant impact, exploring partnership opportunities, or organizing fundraising events can provide substantial support to their cause. Engaging with this organization not only contributes to the well-being of children but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility toward a brighter future for all.
For more detailed information on how you can contribute, visiting their website is the best starting point: breakfastclubs.ca or contact the breakfast club at info@breakfastclubs.ca.
Conclusion: A Collective Effort Towards a Brighter Future
In a world where a single dollar might seem inconsequential, the Children’s Breakfast Clubs in Ontario showcase the profound impact it can have, transforming lives one meal at a time. These narratives illuminate the club’s dedication to nourishing bodies and minds, and fostering environments where children thrive. As we reflect on the substantial portion of donations directly benefiting the children, it’s a reminder that our contributions, no matter how small, can pave the way for brighter futures. We invite you to reconsider the value of your spare change and to embrace the opportunity to contribute to a cause where every dollar counts towards feeding futures, warming hearts, and building communities.
Nada Yunis