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Starfish Pack program in Abbotsford and Aldergrove each get $5K boost

Donation made by LiUNA local 1611 Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union
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Members of LiUNA! Local 1611 Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union recently donated $5,000 to the Starfish Pack program in Abbotsford and Aldergrove. (Submitted photo)

The Aldergrove and Abbotsford Starfish Pack programs are each $5,000 stronger thanks to a donation from the LiUNA (Laborers’ International Union of North America) local 1611 Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union.

The Starfish Pack program provides food-filled backpacks every weekend to students from families in need.

The cost for one backpack for the school year has risen from $525 to, in some cases, $600. Thanks to donations from individuals and organizations, the Rotary Clubs in Aldergrove and Abbotsford have been able to sustain and grow the program.

A total of 380 backpacks are provided every Friday to children at 39 schools in the two communities.

Nav Malhotra, business manager at LiUNA local 1611, said giving back to the community is a must for the organization, especially in times such as this with all the COVID-19 challenges.

“We are glad that we are able to help hungry kids from families in need,” Malhotra said.

Local 1611 also supports food banks, seniors organizations and schools around the province.

Charlie Fox, coordinator of the Aldergrove Starfish Pack program, said the donation from LiUNA local 1611 provided the funds necessary to add three more backpacks to one local elementary school for the year.