The Chatham Voice, May 5, 2022

Page 1

NOW BOOKING FOR 2022

Al’s

LAWN & GARDEN

www.alslawnandgarden.ca

352-4955

YOUR Independent Community Newspaper THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Vol. 9 Edition 18

Fun times at CK Expo

Head Office: 670 Irwin St., Chatham Tel: 519.351.9501 Toll free: 1.844.93TITAN (1.844.938.4826) info@titanlifttrucks.com www.titanlifttrucks.com

FREE!

Start small, dream big By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Sarah Schofield/Special to The Chatham Voice

The popular CK Expo returned this year on April 30 and with it excited attendees including, Al Ruddick, left, Sky Westman and Chantal Main. The expo, held at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre, first launched in 2014 and has had a growing following ever since, with the proceeds benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chatham-Kent. Enthusiasts enjoyed a Cosplay contest along with a number of vendors, artists, a game lounge and the launch of a limited edition version of Chatham’s own Pros With Cons card game.

Canada is the only G7 country without a nationwide nutritious school lunch program. But the partners in an ambitious new made-inChatham-Kent program are hoping to change that. On Monday, the inaugural launch of the “We Are One National Nutritional School Lunch Program” took place at St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Wallaceburg. Founder Cathy Staal, who has a background working in education, said starting the venture has been a dream of hers and other like-minded people, such as activist Sally Joyce, for about 17 years. “We want to help people who are living in poverty,” Staal said, adding the program’s goal is to provide all elementary school students with access to a nutritious lunch – regardless of their economic status. Feeding all the children takes away the stigmatism, she added. “This is our pilot project,” Staal said of St. Elizabeth. “The need for a national school program is big.” The benefits of good nutrition for health and brain development are well documented. One child in

six in Canada faces food insecurity every day. Students who have access to healthy food are better equipped to learn. Studies show well-nourished children are happier, with fewer physical and psychological problems. Present economic circumstances make the need for such a program even more pressing, Staal noted. The strain of rising inflation, coupled with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, has made the economic situation of vulnerable people even more precarious. “We see the need,” said Staal. “With the aftermath of COVID, families are the hardest hit. “Parents need the help and the assurance their child will get at least one nutritious meal a day. “It’s all about everyone.” Calling We Are One a private/social enterprise, Staal, as chief executive officer, said the proposal will see the spending of $16 per day per child. Fifteen of those dollars will go to the restaurant providing the food, while the remainder will go to spending for supplies or other costs. There won’t be any junk food. Staal said all recipes must be vetted by Chatham-Kent Public Health before they go on the menu. Continued on page 2

INSTOCK CARPET, HARDWOOD, LAMINATE, VINYL AND CERAMIC TILE

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE • DESIGN EXPERTISE EXPERIENCED INSTALLATION

42 Years of the Best Selection, Savings and Satisfaction! Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9AM - 5PM, Saturday 9AM-3PM & Closed Sunday

701 St. Clair St., Chatham | 519.354.6121 | www.sacwalflooringcentres.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.