By Mark Squib
November 3, 2023 Edition
Witless Bay council earlier this fall approved a number of different donation requests from various community groups.
Council donated $100 each to St. Bernard's Elementary and Mobile Central High School to support their breakfast programs operated by the Kids Eat Smart Foundation, for a total of $200.
“The Kids Eat Smart Foundation issued a call for donations, and all donations received are matched by Kids Eat Smart,” said councillor Ralph Carey. “So, every dollar donated is actually equal to two dollars.”
Council also donated $200 to the RCMP’s D.A.R.E. program to implement programming about the dangers of drug use to students attending the two schools.
Town CAO Jennifer Aspell noted the RCMP revamped the program during COVID. While it used to focus entirely on drug awareness, she said, it now also focuses on internet safety, bullying, bicycle safety, and more.
Aspell said the RCMP handed out bicycle helmets around the community last summer, and that the organization is very community minded.
Council also donated $1,600 for the Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department — $100 of which is earmarked for the purchase of treats for the annual Pumpkin Stroll, while $1,500 will go towards the annual firefighters’ ball.
Council also offered the department free use of the Puffin Centre for the event. The brigade will also be requesting donations from neighbouring communities to support the ball.
