A new initiative on the BlackPress4Good crowdfunding site is raising money for the Starfish Pack Program.
The initiative is being sponsored by Chevron in celebration of the opening of its new Whatcom Road location in Abbotsford. A grand opening celebrate takes place Saturday, Jan. 24.
The Starfish Pack Program provides a backpack each week to local kids who might otherwise go hungry on the weekends. The backpack is filled with two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners.
There are currently 14 Abbotsford schools and 214 children participating in the program, with donated funds covering the food costs.
It costs $525 during each school year, or $52.50 per month, to provide the backpack to one child.
The program, originally called Blessings in a Backpack, was created by the Rotary Club of Abbotsford and is operated by the Abbotsford Food Bank.
The new initiative on BlackPress4Good invites people to make a donation of at least $52.50 to the Starfish Pack Program.
In exchange, they receive a $25 Chevron gift card that can be used at any of the 160 locations across B.C.
A limited supply of 20 cards will be available until they run out.
Spokesperson Adrien Byrne said Chevron has an 80-year history in B.C., and has a “broad social investment program with a focus across education, health and economic development issues.”
“The Starfish Pack Program is a great initiative that helps support hungry children in Abbotsford and can make a big difference in a child’s life. This aligns with Chevron’s values,” he said.
To make a donation, click here, click on the “Whatcom Chevron gift card” link and “claim this perk.”
People who qualify for the gift card will be able to pick it up at the Abbotsford News within seven days of making their donation. Picture ID must be provided at the time of pick-up.
All donations also receive a tax receipt.