Food bank needs as cash as well as groceries: mayor

By Craig Westcott

CBS council has doubled the size of its donations to the town’s two high schools.

The decision was announced during a list of donations that were approved at the September 15 public meeting of council.

This year, Queen Elizabeth Regional High and Holy Spirit High will each get $1,000 to go towards their respective scholarship and awards programs. 

“Each year we make a donation to the two high schools for their scholarship programs and their awards nights,” said Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse. “This year we built it into our budget to increase their scholarships to $1,000 (each). We’re investing in the future.”

Council also approved a $2,500 donation to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s D.A.R.E program, which sees officers visit schools to educate students about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vaping.

“I think it is a really valuable investment in the youth in our community,” Gosse said. 

Mayor Darrin Bent agreed, noting the materials for the program are fully funded by donations from the community. Only the salaries of the officers who present the programs are covered by the RNC.

“I’m proud to have the D.A.R.E. program in the schools of Conception Bay South,” Bent added. “If there’s anyone out there who wants to donate to the D.A.R.E program, please get in touch with them. They will very happily take any donations to help improve and build upon the program here in CBS.”

And finally, council also approved a $1,000 donation to the CBS – Paradise Food Bank.

Bent said all donations to the food bank are important, including cash.

“They have rent to pay and costs like that, above the food,” said the mayor. “They have bills to pay, so it’s important that they do have cash as well as the food donations.”