Residents and local businesses came together once again to support the Brake For Breakfast program, ensuring children in Portage la Prairie have access to food before starting their school day. Organizers, volunteers, and shoppers emphasized how vital the initiative is for both students’ well-being and academic success. For some, the need is personal. “I heard that they feed kids going to school, and when I was a kid, I didn’t always get breakfast,” says Chysom Scott. “At some of the schools I went to, there was breakfast programs and some there wasn’t, and it was always better when our family wasn’t doing so well at the schools that had breakfast programs, because then you could always concentrate better when you were doing your studies.” Volunteers keep the effort going Others highlight how much satisfaction comes from giving their time to such a cause. “I used to volunteer at one of the schools for the breakfast program,” notes Barb Cavers. “COVID hit. I couldn’t do it anymore. So now I do this.” For community members, the reality of children arriving at school without food is difficult to ignore. “It’s surprising to hear how many children go out without breakfast or food,” says Denis Deslauriers. “I think it’s very important to support an event like this.” Local business involvement Sobeys once again hosted the Brake for Breakfast fundraiser outside its store, creating a natural way for shoppers to participate. “I love the program,” says Store Manager Mike Robinson. “It’s something we look forward to every year, being able to have everyone out here, representatives of the school, the kids come out, and just be able to provide some breakfast for them.” He adds, “We make sure we have lots of cereal available, make sure all the stuff that’s on sale is right front and center for them, so the people coming through the tills can get one or two boxes even just on their way out.” A community effort Organizers say the event demonstrates how neighbours, schools, and businesses can work together to fill important gaps. For students who rely on the program, the meals provide more than nutrition — they offer stability and a better chance to succeed in the classroom. Dana Geisel, mental health facilitator with the Grade 9 team at Portage Collegiate, says the benefits of the program go far beyond food alone. “It makes a huge difference for kiddos,” says Geisel. “Feeling well fed, being able to go to class with their stomachs full frees up so much of their attention for learning and socializing and getting all that they can out of high school.” She adds that the community spirit behind the fundraiser was evident throughout the day. “It has been an awesome day,” continues Geisel. “People are so happy to come and give, and it’s like just been one person after another with smiles and good wishes right constantly all day long. So it’s been really awesome.” At about 1 p.m. today (Wednesday), there were about 2,300 boxes donated and $600 in cash.