As an employee of Loblaw’s The SuperStore on Walker Road working in the Eyewear Department, I wish to express my Sincere Thanks to Loblaw for a five hundred dollar ($500.00) grant to Iona College through their “Colleague Volunteer Grant Program”.

When I am not working in the Eyewear Department, I am a Board Member at Iona College serving as Chairperson of both the Program Committee and Public Relations. My goal is to help promote the Student Outreach programs, to help raise awareness of student needs, and to help attain funding to support these initiatives. Knowing of Loblaw’s commitment to youth and to community, the Student Outreach programs at Iona College seemed to be a perfect fit.

Iona College, through the Student Outreach program, provides many services to assist students at the University of Windsor. Our “Toonie Two Day Dinners” are just that. Home-cooked suppers are provided to students twice a week on (Mondays & Thursdays from 5:00 – 6:30 P.M.) at the cost of a Toonie. Students are welcome to partake even when even a Toonie is too much. Iona, in conjunction with Canterbury College, also supports a Food Bank for students. A student can access provisions once every two weeks and need only show a valid student ID card. Club Iona, provides a safe space where students can meet, exchange ideas and relax. Many other services are provided on a per-needs basis.

The funds contributed by Loblaw will go a long way in helping with the commitment that Iona College has made to feed our neighbours, and especially our youth. Not only is Loblaw a great place to work, but it is wonderful that it strongly supports volunteerism amongst its colleagues and in the community. I encourage other companies to take up the torch, follow the lead that Loblaw has taken, and come aboard! The rewards are super!

Mary Ann Hildreth
Consultant, Eyewear Department
Board Member, Iona College