From coast to coast, child nutrition champions have dedicated themselves to their community and the success of the students in it – volunteers like Braz Athaide, who serves up a healthy breakfast and a smile each morning!

The site supervisor for the Betty Gibson Breakfast Site, part of the Food for Thought program in Brandon, Manitoba, Braz has been involved with the breakfast program for 10 years. Five days a week, students are welcomed into the warm, cozy environment to enjoy a healthy breakfast of toast, pancakes or fruit with their peers and other volunteers. Throughout the years, Braz has become a strong presence with the children and in the community, has been instrumental in the success of the program at Betty Gibson, and continues to lead the program “because he enjoys seeing the bright smiles on every child’s face as they stroll in for breakfast.”

“The safe and friendly environment that Braz and his volunteers provide each day at the breakfast program allow children to flourish not only on a nutritional level but on a social level as well,” says Judy Seib, Program Coordinator, Brandon Food for Thought. “Braz’s continuing leadership and commitment to the children in his breakfast program contributes to a positive day ahead for them and ensures they are better prepared to focus in class.”

A big hip-hip-hooray! to all the outstanding volunteers in Manitoba like Braz for the great work you do to ensure that every child goes to school well-nourished and ready to learn.