Last week, CLOW Canada donated towards our Backpack Program. They provided four weeks of food and other necessities like hygiene products. The Backpack Program helps reduce food insecurity by supplying more than 40 children and families in the Greater Saint John area with nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals and hygiene items each week. With rising food costs and reduced funding, the need is greater than ever, and community support is vital to keeping this program strong.

“Calling all Greater Saint John Business’s. The Saint John Boys and Girls Club is in need of donations for their weekly food backpack program. The Club feeds lunch to up to 100 kids per day that may not get food at home and 40 backpacks are given to youth every weekend to ensure they have food to eat until Monday. Also, toiletries and sanitary products are supplied. Last year they lost funding for the backpack program and now it’s up to the business community to step up. Clow Canada donated 4 weeks worth of goods. Now we need other companies to step up and help as well. “

-Rick Benoit, VP McWane Canada

Rick Benoit is a Club Kid and alumni, former BGC Board President and generous long term supporter of our Club. We are incredibly grateful for the support he provides to the children and youth in our community. He always steps up to be there for them and their families in any way he can.

Now he wants YOU to step up, Here’s how:

1. Donate Items on Our List:

We are always looking for items for our backpacks, this is our needs list currently:

1. Pasta
2. Pasta Sauce
3. Canned Veg
4. Mac & Cheese
5. Tuna
6. Ramen
7. Oatmeal
8. Granola Bars
9. Mini cereal boxes
10. Travel pack cookies
11. Jell-O/Pudding
12. Apple Sauce
13. Rice
14. Fruit Cups
15. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
16. Body Wash / Soap Bars
17. Deodorant
18. Feminine Hygiene Products

They must be nut-free, easy to prepare, non-perishable foods. If possible, gelatin free.

2. Long Term Giving:

We have many flexible options for long-term giving, whether that’s monthly donations, legacy giving, or gifts of security. Reach out to us if that is of interest!

3. Match Donation Campaigns:

We are always open to make a call to donations for them to make double the impact thanks to your business. Both your impact and our individual givers provides even more for the club kids! These are always a great option for collaborative events, especially during the giving season.

4. Third-Party Events:

Community members frequently unite to organize events that support BGC Greater Saint John. Whether it’s Denim Days at the workplace, summer barbecues, or opting for donations instead of gifts during holiday celebrations, these third-party events provide a wonderful opportunity for organizers to contribute. For more details on how to host a third-party event, please reach out to us

5. Join the 100 Club:

$100 a year provides thousands of young people with opportunities for great futures. $100 covers the cost of five Club Kids in our Youth Evening Programs. It could cover 6 Club Kids with a healthy meal for a week.