The Abbotsford Rotary Club, Abbotsford Food Bank and the Kiwanis Clubs of Abbotsford and Clearbrook have been recognized with the inaugural Community Matters Awards.
The awards were presented June 16 by the Abbotsford board of education at a regular public meeting.
The board established the award earlier this year to recognize community partners who have made a significant contribution to the lives of students in the Abbotsford school district.
The award is intended to acknowledge an organization that has exceeded its service mandate to children.
The Rotary Club and Food Bank were recognized for the Starfish Pack program (formerly Blessings in a Backpack), which provides weekly delivery of meals and snacks to more than 260 students in 22 schools in Abbotsford.
The backpacks provide meals over the weekend for families who might otherwise go without.
The Kiwanis Clubs of Clearbrook and Abbotsford were recognized for their many years of service with students in the areas of literacy development and leadership, including Key Clubs at five secondary schools; Builders Clubs at two middle schools; the Terrific Kids Program which promote social responsibility at three elementary schools; and Book Buddies and Reading Around the World at several elementary schools.
School board chair Cindy Schafer said the awards are a way for the board to express appreciation for those involved in service to students.
“Community involvement in the Abbotsford school district has been a long and valued tradition,” she said. “Numerous organizations, such as this year’s recipients, contribute resources and countless hours of volunteer service to enable our students to achieve success in school.”