Every day, Breakfast Club of Canada depends on its 17,500 volunteers across the country to deliver warm, nutritious meals to children in need. Most of these volunteers are students, participating in the Breakfast Club of Canada’s Student Volunteer Program.
Breakfast Club of Canada believes in empowering youth through initiatives that build respect and self-esteem. The Student Volunteer Program helps youth make small, daily investments that make a significant positive impact on the lives of people around them. It also creates an environment where students’ contributions are valued and they’re recognized for their unique potential.
“My experience volunteering with Breakfast Club of Canada helped me realize I wanted to give back in any way I could,” says Provost. “That time in my life certainly contributed to the path I’m on now.”
What role does a student volunteer play?
Student volunteers can participate in different capacities. Whether it’s preparing food and setting up stations, serving meals or cleaning up, volunteers contribute to creating a welcoming environment for their fellow students. In some schools, student volunteers have the opportunity to plan a basic weekly menu within a specific budget. Students can also become head volunteers, where they’re responsible for the entire breakfast service.
“These responsibilities give youth more self-esteem, boost their confidence and help develop their leadership potential,” says Tania Angulo, Senior Collective Engagement Advisor, Breakfast Club of Canada.
A community of helping hands
Through the Student Volunteer program, Breakfast Club of Canada helps students acquire cooking skills and learn healthy eating habits. It helps them identify with significant, positive role models and be inspired by the values of teamwork, cooperation and community. It also encourages them become engaged citizens.
Sabrina Provost first volunteered for Breakfast Club of Canada in her Québec high school.
“I wanted to start my mornings in a positive way, where I could also give back to the community,” says Provost. Her experience was so rewarding that she continued to volunteer for three more years, building special relationships with her fellow students and volunteers.
Provost is now an Ambassador for the volunteer program and volunteered with a group of friends during her time at medical school. Now a medical school graduate, she is on her way to becoming a child psychiatrist. She credits Breakfast Club of Canada for helping ignite her passion for giving back to her community.
“My experience volunteering with Breakfast Club of Canada helped me realize I wanted to give back in any way I could,” says Provost. “That time in my life certainly contributed to the path I’m on now.”
Appreciating the role of student volunteers
Student volunteers are an integral part of Breakfast Club of Canada’s success, and they are recognized as such.
Depending on their school, volunteers may receive a special breakfast in their honour, inclusion in a school awards ceremony or a message of appreciation in the school website or newspaper. They’re also eligible to receive a recognition letter for job applications.
“It’s important for us to take a moment with student volunteers at the end of their commitment, to thank them and congratulate them for their hard work and diligence,” says Angulo.
