Healthy-meal program draws assist from Toews

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This article was published 10/07/2015 (3742 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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NHL star and Winnipegger Jonathan Toews says breakfast isn’t just for champions — it’s an essential need for young people in our community.

That’s why the three-time winner of the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks and two-time Olympic gold medallist with Team Canada is proud to lend his name — and star power — to the Winnipeg Foundation’s Nourishing Potential campaign.

Toews was on hand Thursday for the announcement that 23 local organizations will split a total of $116,000 in funding for healthy meals and snacks for children who wouldn’t normally be able to afford them.

“Good food and nutrition isn’t just for athletes,” said Toews, 27. “It is for everyone.”

The media event was held on the Old Exhibition Athletic Grounds at the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC), one of the organizations getting an assist from the grant program. Others include Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg, Inner City Youth Alive and Resource Assistance for Youth.

Toews said since he began eating healthier after his first season in the NHL, he feels better on and off the ice. “For me, this cause is something that touches so many parts of our kids’ (lives). Food is such a building foundation for life.”

WASAC executive director Trevor LaForte said 5,000 young people have already been helped in the first three years of its program thanks to Nourishing Potential.

“This year, it will also give 75 kids a food-handler’s certificate,” LaForte said.

“This is important to help us feed 300 kids per day coming through here. But it will also give them extra help on their resumé. It will be something others don’t have when they’re looking for a job.”

NDP MLA Kevin Chief (Point Douglas) told the dozens of young people at the announcement they were the reason Toews came to their neighbourhood. (Later in the day, Toews received the Order of Manitoba at the legislature.)

“It is a testament to you because Jonathan Toews, by being here, says he believes in you,” Chief said.

Since the Winnipeg Foundation started the Nourishing Potential program in 2011, it has handed out a total of $885,000 in grants.

‘Good food and nutrition isn’t just for athletes.

It is for everyone’

— Jonathan Toews

Winnipeg Foundation chairwoman Susan Millican said the initial goal was to have $5 million in an endowment fund for Nourishing Potential within five years.

“Thanks to our donors, we have just over $4 million now,” Millican said.

“This summer, we’re working to grow the fund even more.”

Rick Frost, the Winnipeg Foundation’s CEO, said he is pleased Toews was willing to join the Nourishing Potential campaign. “He’s the absolute perfect ambassador.”

To help raise funds for Nourishing Potential, people can text the word GOAL to 45678 to send a $5 donation to the cause. As well, you can also drop off a donation at any Assiniboine Credit Union branch, go online to wpgfdn.org or call the foundation at 204-944-9474.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca