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THE ROYAL CANADIAN MINT JOINS FORCES WITH BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA TO RECOGNIZE ESSENTIAL WORKERS AND EVERYDAY HEROES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON A SPECIAL MEDAL
All net proceeds to be donated to Breakfast Club of Canada’s Emergency Fund for COVID-19
Ottawa, Ontario, June 29, 2020 – As we all know someone who deserves a medal for helping keep us safe, healthy and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, Royal Canadian Mint employees have rallied together to create a wearable recognition medal.
At a time when many Canadians cannot give a hug or say ‘thanks’ in person, these medals are a tangible way for people to express their gratitude, while also helping reduce hunger among children. The Mint will donate all net proceeds from the sale of each medal to Breakfast Club of Canada’s emergency funding in support of children and families who are facing food insecurity now and in the months to come, due to the repercussions of COVID-19.
To be worn with pride by essential workers and everyone else who has worked so hard to keep Canadians healthy, safe, well-stocked and connected during the pandemic, this heartfelt token of appreciation may be purchased as of today.
“This project is a meaningful way for the Mint to contribute to a cause that is helping Canadians from coast to coast to coast and to say a sincere, tangible thank you to the people who keep making a difference for all of us during this pandemic,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “This is a true team effort led by countless Mint employees who donated their time, skills and expertise and I couldn’t be more proud to join them in recognizing truly special Canadians while raising much-needed funds for Breakfast Club of Canada.”
“Throughout this crisis, we have been very moved by all the shows of community spirit and hard work that have been vital in protecting some of the country’s most vulnerable families,” said Daniel Germain, President and Founder of Breakfast Club of Canada. “At Breakfast Club of Canada, we have been responsive to the needs of hundreds of thousands of children for the past 25 years, and we are proud to have upheld this tradition during these challenging times. But our work is far from done. It is an honour for us to be considered by the Royal Canadian Mint as a quiet force supporting children and families across the country.”
The 2020 Recognition Medal started with a spark of an idea to leverage the Mint’s unique coin-making skills to craft an artful and meaningful medal that could be given to those who make it possible to safely continue our everyday lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea soon inspired scores of employees in Ottawa and Winnipeg, to band together for a once-in-a-lifetime project to show Canada’s appreciation as only the Royal Canadian Mint can.
The result is a nickel-plated steel medal that includes a magnet, so that it can be proudly worn, on either meticulously engraved side, by its deserving recipient.
On one side is a heart and maple leaf icon representing the collective spirit of Canadians. The maple leaf and heart as one symbolize Canadians coming together in embrace as we help those in need. A complex array of micro-mirrors covering the heart creates a pulsating light effect that evokes Canada’s strong heartbeat.
The second side represents our nation’s grateful spirit. The heart in the centre of the group symbolizes Canadians coming together in appreciation for our essential workers. We recognize their dedication and bravery, and the micro text represents the thankful voices of a nation.
By concentrating on the use of available resources to make the medal -from spare materials to employees volunteering to package the medal, the Mint has also helped maximize its fundraising for Breakfast Club of Canada.
Complete background on this project, including videos and still photography can be found here.
The recognition medal can be ordered directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada,
1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Mint’s web site at www.mint.ca. It is also available at participating Canada Post locations or through TD Canada Trust and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
Mint employees also had this to say:
Yannick Cormier, R+D Project Engineer (Ottawa):
“My mom is a nurse who is working in an establishment that had declared Covid-19 cases and for me; it was an honour to be able to add my contribution on the recognition medal. It was a pleasure and nothing compared to what the front line workers have to do to work on a weekend to achieve this beautiful piece of recognition.“
Thalia Bouris, Production Operations Training Coordinator (Ottawa) and one of hundreds of employee volunteers who packaged recognition medals with their families:
“It is an incredible and meaningful gesture that also teaches our kids the importance of caring for your community and lending a hand when needed. It shows that even small gestures such as volunteering your time can make a huge difference in someone’s life.”
Susan Aubry, Marketing Services Manager (Ottawa) and member of the medal design team:
“Not since the Olympics 10 years ago have I felt like I am a part of something quite so important. This is an historic moment and I’m proud to have had the opportunity to contribute.
I spent a lot of time thinking about the design and it was truly an emotional experience.”
Alex Tirabasso, Engraver (Ottawa):
“The best part of this experience was seeing how our teams and colleagues rallied together for a cause that was bigger than ourselves; that is, in showing, in our own way, our respect and recognition to our health care front-line workers.”
“The sweet sugar coating to this experience will be to hopefully see the smiles of our health care workers when they receive these medallions.”
Jean-Paul Collette, Die Production Operator (Winnipeg):
“This is one of the most rewarding things I’ve worked on. It connects directly with people that we know and I feel proud being able to say ‘we made this for you’ It’s a special feeling to be able to have done that.”
Chris Bruneau, Coining Operator (Winnipeg):
“It is definitely a special opportunity to take part in this. It is something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. I thought the heart was fantastic in the way it really pops off the medal.”
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About Breakfast Club of Canada
Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance, the Club provides much more than breakfast: its approach is based on commitment, self-esteem and capacity development using an optimal formula adapted to local needs. Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 243,500 children and youth in 1,809 schools across the country.
About the Breakfast Club of Canada’s Emergency Fund
To help families struggling with food insecurity during the pandemic, Breakfast Club of Canada created an Emergency Fund, which has so far allowed for over $8 million to be given to 900 schools and community organizations across the country. Through the grants that we are allocating to smaller community-based organizations, food is being distributed in many different ways – some are providing food hampers, other backpacks and premade meals, others it’s a grab and go bag that is distributed at schools or even gift cards to grocery stores. There are so many different methods, tailored to each communities’ needs and capacities. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org.
For more information, please contact:
Alex Reeves
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
Tel: (613) 884-6370
reeves@mint.ca
Nathalie Rochette
Communications Director, Breakfast Club of Canada
Tel: (514) 404-5660
nathalie.rochette@breakfastclub.org
THE ROYAL CANADIAN MINT DONATES $100,000 TO BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA
Ottawa, Ontario, July 21, 2020 – Thanks to those who are buying recognition medals to express gratitude to an essential worker or a special someone making a difference through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Canadian Mint is making an initial donation of $100,000 to Breakfast Club of Canada.
At a time when many Canadians cannot give a hug or say ‘thanks’ in person, these medals are a tangible way for people to express their appreciation, while raising money for an organization fighting childhood hunger. The Mint is donating all net proceeds from the sale of each medal to the Breakfast Club of Canada Emergency Fund in support of children and families who are facing food insecurity now and in the months to come, due to the repercussions of COVID-19.
“I am deeply touched by the response of Canadians to this project that has been a personal labour of love for the employees of the Royal Canadian Mint,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “The $100,000 donation we are making today to Breakfast Club is just a start and I look forward to increasing this donation as people continue to recognize those who they feel deserve a medal.”
“As many Canadians, we had to adapt our services at Breakfast Club of Canada to ensure we reach as many children and families to support their growing needs to feed themselves,” said Daniel Germain, President and Founder of Breakfast Club of Canada. “In 25 years, it is the first time we can continue to feed children over the summer, which is proof of how much the mission of Breakfast Club of Canada is essential. We are deeply touched by all the support we are receiving, and we thank the Canadian Royal Mint and all their employees for this recognition of the Club’s work. Together, let’s lift the burden of food insecurity off the shoulders of children and families to replace them with hope and smiles.’’
The Recognition Medal retails for $9.95 and all net proceeds go Breakfast Club of Canada. It is a nickel-plated steel medal that includes a magnet, so that it can be proudly worn, on either meticulously engraved side, by its deserving recipient.
On one side is a heart and maple leaf icon representing the collective spirit of Canadians. The maple leaf and heart as one symbolize Canadians coming together in embrace as we help those in need. A complex array of micro-mirrors covering the heart creates a pulsating light effect that evokes Canada’s strong heartbeat.
The second side represents our nation’s grateful spirit. The heart in the centre of the group symbolizes Canadians coming together in appreciation for our essential workers. We recognize their dedication and bravery, and the micro text represents the thankful voices of a nation.
In Ottawa alone, the Mint’s Recognition Medal has touched a number of special Canadians:
Linda – Registered Nurse, Queensway Carleton Hospital
“Our COVID-19 Testing Centre opened in March, and I really wanted to be more involved and join the fight, so volunteered to work there. It has been very fulfilling and satisfying, as I feel like I am a small piece in the huge puzzle of defeating this virus. It’s awesome that the Mint has created this Recognition Medal. Absolutely awesome. It’s really wonderful to be recognized and valued this way, and it’s really an honour. This medal will be a treasured keepsake that can be passed down to your kids.”
Rigoberto – Bus Operator, OC Transpo
“I have had many passengers extend their thanks to me for working throughout the pandemic and it means a great deal to me, as it shows the togetherness needed to get through this time.
Though working through this time has had its challenges, I appreciate the Royal Canadian Mint recognizing my efforts and those of all essential workers.”
Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng – ICU and Palliative Care Physician, Ottawa Hospital and Monfort Hospital
“The fact that we are being seen for the work that we do, especially in a time during a pandemic when more is being asked of us, and that the nation is willing to recognize the work that we’re doing, is just so humbling. It’s empowering to know that the nation’s behind you just gives us more inspiration, more incentive, more juice to really step up and do what we need to do for our patients.”
Complete background on this project, including videos and still photography can be found here.
This heartfelt token of appreciation for Canada’s essential workers and everyday heroes can be ordered directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Mint’s web site at www.mint.ca. It is also available at the Mint’s newly re-opened Winnipeg boutique, as well as participating Canada Post locations, or through TD Canada Trust and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About Breakfast Club of Canada
Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance, the Club provides much more than breakfast: its approach is based on commitment, self-esteem and capacity development using an optimal formula adapted to local needs. Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 243,500 children and youth in 1,809 schools across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About the Breakfast Club of Canada’s Emergency Fund
To help families struggling with food insecurity during the pandemic, Breakfast Club of Canada created an Emergency Fund, which has so far allowed for over $8 million to be given to 900 schools and community organizations across the country. Through the grants that we are allocating to smaller community-based organizations, food is being distributed in many different ways – some are providing food hampers, other backpacks and premade meals, others it’s a grab and go bag that is distributed at schools or even gift cards to grocery stores. There are so many different methods, tailored to each communities’ needs and capacities. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org.
For more information, please contact:
Alex Reeves
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
Tel: (613) 884-6370
reeves@mint.ca
Nathalie Rochette
Communications Director, Breakfast Club of Canada
Tel: (514) 404-5660
nathalie.rochette@breakfastclub.org
BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA CALLS ON CANADIANS AND PARTNERS TO ENSURE HUNGER DOESN’T GET IN THE WAY OF LEARNING FOR CHILDREN THIS SCHOOL YEAR
MONTREAL – August 20, 2020 –
Today, Breakfast Club of Canada launches its Back-to-School campaign ‘’Don’t Let Hunger Get in Their Way’’ to mobilize its partners along with Canadians to ensure all kids start their day nourished this fall. Building on its mission of feeding students’ potential and giving all children an equal chance of success, the Club is calling on Canadians’ generosity to support its network of local schools and charities to deliver innovative food programs across the country, no matter how the school year unfolds.
“Back-to-school is supposed to be exciting time and a fresh start for students. However, given the pandemic, not having enough food is a major concern for some children and their families,” says Tommy Kulczyk, General Manager of Breakfast Club of Canada. “COVID has severely disrupted the economy and caused severe job loss. We know many families are struggling even more than before to put food on the table. Children are among the most vulnerable, but we can’t let hunger get in their way.”
According to Breakfast Club of Canada, more than one million children across the country were going to school on an empty stomach before COVID. Now, the Club is forecasting a drastic increase to over two million for the coming school year. That’s a jump from one in four children to more than one in every three children who will be going to school on an empty stomach.
“We need collective and creative solutions to feed all children during this time of crisis – the alternative is potential negative long-term and permanent impact to both their mental and physical health. For example, hunger limits children’s cognition including the ability to focus and retain information and can also impact their ability to regulate emotions. I am so encouraged by the work Breakfast Club of Canada is doing and the support we have seem from the public during the pandemic,” says Lindsay Pleskot, Registered Dietitian and parent.
The Emergency Fund that the Club launched in March in response to COVID-19 has helped to provide food to over half a million children over the past few months through supporting and collaborating with over 1,000 local organizations and schools cross Canada. With schools re-opening under various regional models, the Club’s network has adapted its food delivery services for breakfast programs to minimize risks and physical contact. Based on successes and learnings from restarting breakfast programs in Quebec last May, this includes only distributing individually packaged meals, food to be served in classrooms to allow for proper social distancing and limiting the menu to cold items only.
‘’As a mom of twins, I know how important healthy food is for my kids. Even as we’ve been sheltering at home, they are constantly learning, playing, running, they NEVER STOP! All of that requires fuel for their growing bodies and brain. That’s why the work Breakfast Club of Canada is doing is more important now than ever. Let’s make sure all our children can have the fuel they need to feed their potential,” says Breakfast Club of Canada spokesperson and comedian, Jessi Cruickshank.
“For over 25 years, Breakfast Club of Canada has been providing meals to students before class every morning. No matter what this school year looks like, let’s not let hunger put our children’s future on hold. We hope families and donors across Canada will join us in giving every child an equal chance to succeed this year,” says Kulczyk.
To find out more on how to donate to Breakfast Club of Canada’s back-to-school efforts, visit breakfastclubcanada.org.
About Breakfast Club of Canada
Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance, the Club provides much more than breakfast: its approach is based on commitment, self-esteem and capacity development using an optimal formula adapted to local needs. Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 257,000 children and youth in 1,887 schools across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Use our following hashtags #StopChildHunger and #FeedKidsNow.
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Media Contact
For more information and to schedule interviews with Breakfast Club of Canada spokespeople, please contact:
Tatianna Ducklow
Media Relations
P: 587-897-7430
E: tducklow@argylepr.com
BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA WELCOMES THE QUEBEC GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO EXTEND FOOD AID TO ALL SCHOOLS IN THE PROVINCE
Montreal, August 25, 2020 – Breakfast Club of Canada welcomes the Quebec government’s decision to extend its food aid measure to all schools in the province, regardless of their deprivation index score, to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families and children. BCC sees this announcement as yet another step toward a national school food program for all students.
“This news from the Quebec government gladdens our hearts. The timing of the decision could not be better in terms of helping children and families across the province cope with the considerable challenges brought about by the pandemic,” said Marie-Claude Bienvenue, BCC’s Vice-President, Government Affairs, Quebec, and Municipal Affairs. “It’s wrong to think that students living in low-income communities are the only ones who need support. Food insecurity is not limited to any one postal code, and we applaud the government’s efforts to be proactive in this regard.”
“One thing’s for sure: if schools need our expertise in light of this morning’s announcement, we will be there for them,” said Marie-Josée Lapratte, National Co-Director, Programs, Breakfast Club of Canada. “In Quebec, there is a strong ecosystem in place to alleviate food insecurity among children and their families. A number of organizations play an active role in providing school meals, be it at breakfast, lunch or snack time, and in teaching students healthy eating and cooking skills. Ideally, we would love to see the government and this ecosystem come together in the short term to build a vision of a universal, sustainable and inclusive school food program based on a shared cost model. This is what we at Breakfast Club of Canada have been working toward for the past 25 years.”
A reminder that Breakfast Club of Canada’s back-to-school campaign is now in full swing. Recent BCC statistics confirm that, before COVID-19, over 1 million Canadian children were starting the school day on an empty stomach. This number is expected to skyrocket to more than 2 million in the coming academic year. That means 1 out of every 3 students across the country (instead of 1 out of 4) will be walking into the classroom in the morning hungry for food, rather than hungry to learn.
To donate to Breakfast Club of Canada’s back-to-school campaign, go to breakfastclubcanada.org/backtoschool2020 or text CLUB to 20222.
About Breakfast Club of Canada
Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance, the Club provides much more than breakfast: its approach is based on commitment, self-esteem and capacity development using an optimal formula adapted to local needs. Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 257,000 children and youth in 1,887 schools across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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For more information, please contact:
Justine Plourde |1-888-442-1217, ext. 3369 | justine.plourde@breakfastclubcanada.org
Nathalie Rochette | 514-404-5660 | nathalie.rochette@breakfastclubcanada.org
SIX DEDICATED WOMEN JOIN FORCES TO HELP CANADIAN CHILDREN
Breakfast Club of Canada Unveils Its Back-to-School Campaign Cabinet
MONTREAL – September 28, 2020 – For the first time in its history, Breakfast Club of Canada has brought together an elite squad of business professionals from across the country whose complementary backgrounds will help expand BCC’s network of partners. The six women who have joined the Back-to-School Campaign Cabinet will lend their combined expertise and name recognition to add clout and credibility to the campaign, which kicked off in late August.
Chaired by journalist, philanthropist and host Joan Kelley Walker, the Campaign Cabinet will leverage members’ connections to help the Club’s significantly greater needs arising from the pandemic. Since the beginning of the new school year, schools across Canada have already seen a 25% to 30% increase in program attendance. According to a survey of all available data, BCC expects that food insecurity will rise by 80% this year. This means that over 2 million children will be at risk of not having a proper breakfast every morning. This represents over 1 in 3 Canadian children.
“Nutrition is essential. There is no other way around it. Canadian children deserve to be nourished so that they can live up to their full potential.’’ said Back-to-School Campaign Cabinet Chair Joan Kelley Walker. ‘’ The current crisis has created more vulnerability amongst our nation’s children. I am proud to be a cabinet member for Breakfast Club of Canada’s current campaign, committed to be there for children no matter where they are. I have witnessed firsthand the impact of their programs and the time to take action is now.”
Introducing the Back-to-School Campaign Cabinet:
The goal of Breakfast Club of Canada’s back-to-school campaign is to mobilize its partners and the general population to ensure all kids start their day with the energy they need to learn. Building on its mission of feeding students’ potential and giving all children an equal chance of success, the Club is calling on the generosity of Canadians to support its network of schools and local charities in order to continue delivering innovative food programs across the country, no matter how the school year unfolds in the wake of the pandemic.
To donate to Breakfast Club of Canada’s back-to-school efforts, go to breakfastclubcanada.org/backtoschool2020.
To view the profiles of the Cabinet members, click here.
About Breakfast Club of Canada
Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance, the Club provides much more than breakfast: its approach is based on commitment, self-esteem and capacity development using an optimal formula adapted to local needs. Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 257,000 children and youth in 1,887 schools across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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Media enquiries
For more information or to schedule interviews with Breakfast Club of Canada spokespeople, please contact:
Justine Plourde |1-888-442-1217, ext. 3369 | justine.plourde@breakfastclubcanada.org
Nathalie Rochette | 514-404-5660 | nathalie.rochette@breakfastclubcanada.org
BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA PARTNERS WITH WALMART TO ENSURE STUDENTS START THEIR SCHOOL DAY WITH A HEALTHY BREAKFAST
MONTREAL – October 1, 2020 – Breakfast Club of Canada is partnering with Walmart Canada on their annual fundraising campaign to raise money for school and community breakfast programs. Walmart is inviting its associates and customers to participate in this year’s campaign from October 1 to October 23 by donating at the checkout and Walmart.ca.
In these changing times, the Club and its partners maintain their focus on protecting children’s well-being and health along with like-minded organizations and schools. As 1 in 3 children start school on an empty stomach, donations are needed now more than ever. Breakfast Club of Canada will continue to enable children to thrive and help them develop healthy eating habits, no matter where they are.
To demonstrate how they truly believe every single child should have access to a healthy breakfast, Walmart Canada is kicking off this year’s campaign with a $1 million donation to the Club. It includes:
“The Club is lucky to be supported by partners who understand the importance of what we do for children,” said Tommy Kulczyk, General Manager at Breakfast Club of Canada. “Students need so many things to be able to focus on their learning, a healthy breakfast being an important part. We can always count on Walmart for their continued support and, through our annual fundraising campaigns, we’ve been able to reach hundreds of thousands of children in schools across the country.”
“Making nutritious food accessible to children is part of our commitment to fight hunger and food insecurity and to help families live better,” said Nabeela Ixtabalan, Executive Vice President, People and Corporate Affairs at Walmart Canada. “Funds raised through our Breakfast Club of Canada campaign will provide support and much-needed resources for school and community breakfast programs to help ensure students are fueled to learn.”
For the past 18 years, Walmart Canada has worked with Breakfast Club of Canada, donating and raising more than $50 million. This partnership has greatly contributed to enable the Club and its network of 1,887 schools across the country to feed more than 257,000 students each day.
About Breakfast Club of Canada
Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance, the Club provides much more than breakfast: its approach is based on commitment, self-esteem and capacity development using an optimal formula adapted to local needs. Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 257,000 children and youth in 1,887 schools across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by more than 900,000 customers daily. With more than 90,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $400 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.
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Media Contact
For more information and to schedule interviews with Breakfast Club of Canada spokespeople, please contact:
Justine Plourde
Media Relations, Breakfast Club of Canada
Justine.Plourde@breakfastclubcanada.org
Felicia Fefer
Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada
Felicia.Fefer@walmart.com