The Dauphin Friendship Centre's Food for Thought program feeds children in the City of Sunshine from November to March.
Children who have signed up get a free hot meal every Tuesday and Thursday. This year, the Food for Thought program will get a boost thanks to the Coldest Night of the Year walk, which takes place on Saturday, February 28.
In Dauphin, different groups and organizations have been raising money ahead of the walk. Shannon Genaille is the team leader for the Northwest Metis Council, and says the group is doing this for the kids.
"We are all parents, aunts, or uncles. It's all about coming together as a community and helping each other out," said Genaille. "Whether you're financially hurting or have a crazy busy life. Whatever it may be. Kids having a nice and hot meal together is always a great thing."
All of the funds raised locally will go to the program. With seven other members on her team, Shannon originally set the team's goal to raise $1,500.
The group has already smashed that. As of publishing on Wednesday afternoon, the group has raised $2,385.
"Once we got close to the $1,500, I went in and changed it to $5,000," she added. "If we don't make it, that's fine. Our team is pretty determined to get to the $5,000. If we get there, we won't stop there. We will fundraise as long as the money comes in."
Shannon herself has raised $505, while Crystal St. Germain tops the list with $795.
Whether you've donated or have thoughts to, Shannon says thank you. Your generous support is touching and greatly appreciated.
"We are extremely grateful. Businesses have donated, family and friends, people from work," said Genaille. "Whether it's $20 or $5, every dollar counts. It's nice to see how the community has come together for this."
Lisa Stevenson, who is on Team Northwest Metis Council, recently posted a heartwarming video on Facebook. With the walk a month away, Genaille says fundraising efforts will ramp up in the coming days and weeks.
She says the group has loved fundraising and come February 28, they'll be ready to hit the streets for a good cause.
Feeding kids in Dauphin, that's what it is all about.
"We're pretty excited for the walk. We have a plan to make it a bit more fun and keep ourselves warm. Everyone will have to see on the 28th what we've come up with," ended Genaille. "It's a great team building thing and great for your health. We want to bring awareness to Food for Thought and how easy it is to donate."
Also locally, the Rotary Ramblers, led by Kathy Bellemare, have raised $3,283.30. There are nine local groups raising funds to feed children in Dauphin. You can see the full list and donate here.
