A Lifeline for Students: Weekender Program Continues

Tanya Noyes • October 1, 2025

United Way Leeds & Grenville connects the Weekender Program for Students with Loaves & Fishes to ensure kids facing food insecurity are supported every weekend.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Loaves & Fishes to Carry Forward Weekender Program for Students Thanks to Community Partnership


Brockville, ON – Oct 1st, 2025 – The future of the Weekender Program for Students (WP4S), a vital 10-year initiative, providing food baggies each weekend throughout the school year to local students who live with food insecurity, has been secured through a new partnership with Loaves & Fishes.


The WP4S was looking for a new home, a Canada Revenue Agency Registered charity for the 2025/26 school year. Recognizing its importance, Loaves & Fishes has stepped forward to “adopt” the WP4S, providing financial oversight, operational support, and governance to ensure its stability and long-term success.


Donations for the Weekender Program for Students will now be accepted and receipted by Loaves & Fishes (please put WP4S in the memo/comment section of the donation). Both Loaves & Fishes and the Weekender Program for Students will operate with their own budgets, and both rely on the continued support of the community to thrive.


Laura Roobol, the 10-year volunteer Coordinator of the WP4S, will continue to provide day to day program management, and will execute the program with the assistance of the 23 dedicated WP4S volunteers, all supported by Loaves & Fishes’ Board of Directors and team.


This partnership was facilitated with the support of United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG), which played a connector role to ensure the program could continue under the stewardship of an experienced community organization.


“We are so grateful to Laurie and the Board of Directors at Loaves & Fishes for taking on this program, and to Laura for embracing this new partnership,” said Hailie Jack, Executive Director of UWLG. “The continuation of the WP4S shows the power of collaboration and how, together, we can make sure children/teens in our community have what they need to thrive.”


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About the Weekender Program for Students

During the 24/25 school year the WP4S provided 378 weekend food baggies, every weekend, to local students (JK-G12) who live with food insecurity, across 22 schools in Leeds & Grenville. The WP4S team delivers 2 weeks of baggies to each Partner School, every other Wednesday, throughout the school year. The schools then discretely hand out the baggies on Fridays for the students to take home with them. The WP4S baggies help bridge the nutritional gap these students experience when school food programs are not available to them on the weekends.


About Loaves & Fishes

Loaves & Fishes is a trusted local registered charity dedicated to addressing food insecurity in our community. Through the feeding of people, community is built.


About United Way Leeds & Grenville

United Way Leeds & Grenville mobilizes the power of community to address pressing needs, support local non-profits, and create lasting impact. By connecting people, resources, and organizations, UWLG helps build a stronger, healthier community for all.


Media Contact:

Hailie Jack, Executive Director United Way Leeds & Grenville

613-342-8889 | ed@uwlg.org

Loaves and Fishes Contact: Laurie Prichard loavesandfishesbrockville@gmail.com | 613-345-6498


Link to L&F donations: E-transfer: financelafb@gmail.com (auto deposit no password required) EFT available contact L&F for details. 

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By Tanya Noyes • February 4, 2026
Leeds & Grenville, ON – February 4, 2026 – United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) has successfully reached its 2025 fundraising goal of $900,000, thanks to the generosity and commitment of donors, volunteers, workplaces, and partners across the region. Inspired by this year’s theme, Hope Starts with You , the community came together to support local programs and services that help people and families when they need it most. “I’m incredibly proud of our staff, Board, Campaign Cabinet, and Champions who worked hard right through the finish line,” said Board Chair Ian McFall. “This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.” Campaign Chair Darren Gallacher added, “Reaching $900,000 means real, measurable impact across Leeds & Grenville. This achievement belongs to everyone who gave, volunteered, or supported the campaign.” UWLG’s Community Investment process is now underway, with volunteers reviewing applications to direct funds where they will have the greatest local impact. The organization continues its work year-round through workplace campaigns, events, and volunteer opportunities. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit www.uwlg.org or call 613-342-8889. About United Way Leeds & Grenville UWLG is dedicated to improving lives and building a stronger community. We focus on critical issues such as food security, homelessness, housing, mental health, addictions, and supports for children and youth. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to community, we strive to create vibrant, caring communities where everyone can thrive. – 30 – Media Contact: Hailie Jack, Executive Director United Way Leeds & Grenville 613-342-8889 | ed@uwlg.org Photo courtesy of Andrew Kizell, A. Kizell Photography (Real Estate & Drone)  Pictured from L-R (Front): Melissa Hindman (Director, Resource Development, UWLG), Brian Normandin (Financial Controller, Burnbrae Farms), Tanya Noyes (Data & Communications Coordinator, UWLG), Dr. Helen Anne Hudson (Senior Advisory to Corporate Social Responsibility, Burnbrae Farms), Meagan Metcalf (Executive Assistant, 3M Brockville), (L-R (Back): Marieke Van Spriel (Programs & Office Coordinator, UWLG), Melissa Szydlowski (Digital Marketing Specialist, Henderson Printing), Andrew Kizell (A Kizell Photography), Darren Gallacher (Campaign Cabinet Chair, UWLG & Business Loans Officer, Community Futures Grenville), Christopher Dang (Financial Analyst, Burnbrae), Chelsea Anderson (Case Manager, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville).
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