The now annual Breakfast Scramble entered its fifth year to raise funds and awareness for the Richmond School District’s breakfast club called Feed-U-Cate.
Even Batman made a guest appearance!
District maintenance workers saddled up on their motorcycles on June 7 and visited the 11 participating schools. There, they handed out letters for a Scrabble game.
This year students at Whiteside elementary won for a second straight year with a 90-point score by spelling Graziers. Second place went to students at Gilmore elementary.
Co-organizer Mike Beausoleil, director of maintenance and operations, said the works yard would be serving Whiteside school with a breakfast on June 19.
This year’s Scramble was special as it included a Batmobile. Actually, it was a three-wheeled motorcycle, a Polaris Slingshot, which was decorated like the Dark Knight’s vehicle.
There were 17 motorcyclists who went around to each school this year. Beausoleil said there are a number of motorcycle enthusiasts in the works yard and the idea for the Scramble is a version of a poker run.
“There are a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts in the district. It’s fun for the kids to come out and see us,” he said.
Richmond RCMP also came out in support of the Scramble, with two ATVs and a cruiser.
Of course, the Scramble is for a good cause, one important to Beausoleil.
“I believe we live in a great country and I think it’s important for anyone in Richmond or in Canada, no one should be starving and no one should be going hungry,” said Beausoleil.
It is a common misconception that Richmond is a wealthy community and doesn’t have children in need. However, despite high land values and a municipality with healthy reserves, many children do go without breakfast.
“We’re trying to raise an image that this exists, trying to bring it to the surface, but making it a fun event. The reward is other people may take notice that donations are needed,” said Beausoleil.
Presently, the school district funds 15 schools with a total of $15,000. Traditionally all of these funds are donated or raised by school groups, individual donations or parent advisory councils, notes the district.
The Feed-U-Cate program typically offers a bowl of cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt and juice to about two dozen students at each school, on average. Parents and teachers volunteer their time to accept students in the early morning. The club also supports working parents who cannot afford daycare but need to drop their kids off at school slightly early.
“It’s a safe place to come and get some food,” said Beausoleil.
