Gifts of the Heart: Nourishing Young Minds

The Power of 100

Presented by 100 People Who Care Brant

This month’s focus: Gifts of the Heart

AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY GIVING CYCLE, MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL GIVING CIRCLE 100 PEOPLE WHO CARE BRANT ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE A CHARITY OR NON-PROFIT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE COLLECTIVE DONATIONS FROM OUR GROUP. IN THIS NEW MONTHLY COLUMN, WE WILL SHINE SOME LIGHT ON THE WORK AND COMMUNITY EVENTS OFFERED BY NOMINEES WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF OUR DONATIONS. JUNE’S FOCUS IS ON GIFTS OF THE HEART

Gifts of the Heart, an incorporated Canadian non-profit, harnesses the power of community-minded volunteers to tackle food insecurity among children in Brantford. Drawing support from neighbourhood associations like the Downtown Central Neighbourhood Associati on (DCNA), East Ward Echo Place Neighbourhood Association (EWEPNA), Branlyn Neighbourhood Associati on (BNA), and community members who believe in their mission, the organization has become a vital force in ensuring no child goes hungry at school

Founded by Jayme WilsonBelore, chair of the DCNA, Gifts of the Heart operated alongside

Gifts of the Heart volunteers are tackling food insecurity one school, one meal at a time. The organization has become a vital force in ensuring no child goes hungry at school!

DCNA, EWEPNA, and BNA from February 2021 until becoming an independent nonprofit in early 2023. The mission is clear: to nourish children's bodies so they can nourish their minds, laying the foundation for future community leaders and advocates.

The initiative began modestly in 2021 when a school principal requested seven dozen eggs to help feed students coming to school without food. The response from the community was overwhelming, quickly transforming the initial egg donation into a full-scale daily meal program. What started as a simple request evolved into providing hot lunches five days a week, illustrating the community's remarkable support and commitment. Today, Gifts of the Heart serves 267 foodinsecure children across nine Grand Erie schools, delivering approximately 52,332 meals this academic year alone. This represents an increase of over 2,000 meals from last year and more than 13,000 meals since the program's inception. The program's reach spans Brantford, ensuring children across various neighborhoods receive nutritious meals.

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