HELPING HANDS
Foundation continues Cheer Crates
The Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation has opted to keep the cheer coming this year, continuing a program started during the pandemic to support families.
As schools closed and students adapted to learning online last year, the foundation asked families what they needed, both to keep their young learners engaged and more generally. The result was the Cheer Crate campaign. Volunteers delivered packages to families filled with food and learning tools during what was a difficult time for many.
Over distribution days in May, June, September and December, more than 2,200 packages were delivered to families identified by community school co-ordinators and school staff as being in need.
As the province reopens and case numbers decline, the foundation has opted to carry on with the campaign into this year — and beyond.
In a news release, the foundation announced it hopes to continue to deliver the crates in June and December each year, “because of the response from the community and the need identified within SPS families,” said executive director Zeba Ahmad.
The crates serve as an extension of the social supports that schools provide, as “the heart of our community and a place where students receive nutrition, education, and emotional support,” Ahmad said.
While students are expected to return to in-person learning this fall, the crates will now serve that purpose during extended breaks from school due to Christmas and summer vacation.
On Tuesday, about 100 volunteers spent the day at Mount Royal Mennonite Church, packaging and delivering more than 700 crates to families from more than 40 public schools across the city. Teachers and school staff were involved in delivering them.
Items during the pandemic were more geared toward COVID -safety, including cloth and disposable masks, educational bolsters for remote learning and activities that children could engage with while maintaining proper distancing.
The foundation said the crates are the result of an outpouring of support from community organizations and local businesses across the city, which donated money, food, supplies and volunteers.
Worth about $100 each, this year's crates include such food items as dairy, eggs, fruit and vegetables and pantry staples, along with books, personal hygiene items and activity kits.