Chain of Caring: Markstay Public School hand delivers items to local food bank

Markstay Public School hand-delivered non-perishable food items to the Markstay Food Bank on December 5th.  Students, staff, and families created a human chain that spanned 500 meters in length, starting from the school at 12 Pioneer Street East, ending at the Food Bank at 15 Hagar Street.

The Markstay-Warren Fire Department was on site to ensure the safety of all participants. And they captured the impressive trajectory on video from a drone.

“The view from above highlighted the magnitude and meaning of the event,” said Principal Kate MacKenzie. “Seeing everyone lined up along the path to the food bank, passing cans one at a time, warmed my heart. It’s a tangible example of how we are fostering global citizens who take an active role in making our world a better place to be.”

Markstay Public School collected 1,358 cans and $778 in donations during this year’s drive from November 27 to December 5, 2023. The entire school of 174 students participated in the event along with the 26 staff members. Many parents/guardians and community members joined in.

“We passed 100 cans along the route to the food bank,” said teacher Jennifer Leblanc who has been leading the Chain of Caring since its inception four years ago. “The local fire department delivered the remaining cans. Our firefighters have supported the food drive since the beginning.”

She added: “This event is all about our students getting involved and giving back to their community. Each child lends a helping hand, makes a difference, and creates memories.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.