TORONTO – Rogers today served 450 hot meals during its 6th annual holiday dinner for school children living in less fortunate areas in the Greater Toronto Area.
This year, Rogers returned to Regent Park/Duke of York Public School to serve a hot meal to approximately 450 students and their families.
Rogers employees, and the teachers of Regent Park/Duke of York Public School, have come together to serve a hot nutritious meal for the students and their families. In addition, Rogers has also purchased books specific to each student’s reading level in support of the school’s literacy program.
“According to the 2003 International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS), 60 per cent of immigrants across Canada have scored below the ability to use simple reading materials in a variety of situations, compared with 37 per cent of native-born Canadians,” says the Rogers press release.
"As educators, we know how important it is to provide the tools necessary for our students to learn," said Christopher Beserve, principal for Regent Park/Duke of York Public School. "So, we are just thrilled that Rogers Cable has offered to give each of our students a brand new book and provide a delicious meal for them and their parents to enjoy during this special time of year."
"Rogers Cable strongly believes in supporting youth and educational activities within its community by providing programs like our holiday dinner at Regent Park/Duke of York," said Edward Rogers, president of Rogers Cable. "Every year our employees look forward to this event and really want to do everything they can to support families who otherwise would not be able to enjoy a special meal like this over the holidays."
Regent Park/Duke of York Public School is an inner-city school serving from East of River Street to Bay Street, including families in Regent Park South and Moss Park. About 50% of the students attending the school speak English as a second language and come from diverse cultural backgrounds.
