An annual fundraiser to make sure students have school snacks will return for its 17th year.
The Inn of the Good Shepherd and McDonald's Owners Colleen and Peter Buckley are bringing back Loonies for Lunches.
Patrons who visit participating McDonald's locations in Sarnia and Petrolia, from August 29 until September 11, will be able to donate a loonie or more to the campaign.
Participating locations include McDonald's on London Road, Exmouth Street, Christina Street, Confederation Street, and the Petrolia location. Proceeds raised in Petrolia will go to food programs within the community.
Inn of the Good Shepherd Executive Director Myles Vanni said proceeds raised during Loonies for Lunches will ensure children have nutritious options to take to school.
"I think it has been a real challenge for families through the summer break when there's no student nutrition program and the program doesn't usually start in the schools until near the end of September so there's that gap that first couple of weeks," said Vanni. "We all know that having a good breakfast or having the nutrition really makes learning and retaining what you learn a lot easier."
A donation of one loonie will equate to one juice box and two granola bars; while $5 will provide three juice boxes, an apple, a banana, a snack-size apple sauce, and a granola bar.
About $7,000 was raised during last year's Loonies for Lunches campaign.
"That goes a long way," said Vanni.
The Inn of the Good Shepherd provides food for over 800 children each month.
There will also be an opportunity to donate toward the initiative during Kids Fun Day on Labour Day. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on September 5, kid's activities will be set up at the Exmouth Street location.
Donations can also be made to the Inn of the Good Shepherd online at www.theinnsarnia.ca.