The Royal Canadian Mint announced that its special Recognition Medal program to date has raised a total of $400,000 for the Breakfast Club of Canada COVID-19 Emergency Fund. This significant donation was made possible by the tens of thousands of Canadians who bought medals to express gratitude to an essential worker or someone special who made a difference throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This special project exceeded our expectations in every way – from the generosity of Canadians, to the pride felt by each employee who donated their personal time and expertise to this fundraising effort,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “We are gratified to have helped raise $400,000 for children and families living with food insecurity.”
How to Say “Thank you”
“As 2020 draws to a close, we are taking the time and opportunity to reflect and appreciate our blessings even more. The Club’s work to stop food insecurity has never been more important, but neither has the essential support and trust of our partners,” said Daniel Germain, President and Founder of Breakfast Club of Canada. “We are so lucky to have been supported by the Canadian Royal Mint. We thank them for the medal they generously created in honor of Canadian essential workers, and for donating the benefits from that medal to the Club. Your support and that of all Canadians who bought the medal is positively impacting the lives of thousands of children.”
In 2020, when so many Canadians have not been able to give hugs or say “thank you” in person, these medals are a tangible way for people to express their appreciation, while raising money for an organization fighting childhood hunger.
What the Recognition Medal Stands For
The Recognition Medal retails for $9.95 and all net proceeds go Breakfast Club of Canada. The nickel-plated steel medal that includes a magnet, so its deserving recipient may proudly wear it on either engraved side. On one side is a heart and maple leaf icon representing the collective spirit of Canadians. The maple leaf and heart as one symbolize Canadians banding together to help those in need. A complex array of micro-mirrors covering the heart creates a pulsating light effect that evokes Canada’s strong heartbeat. The second side represents the nation’s grateful spirit. The heart in the centre of the group symbolizes Canadians coming together in appreciation for the essential workers. The mint recognizes their dedication and bravery, and the micro text represents the thankful voices of a nation.
The Breakfast Club of Canada
Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance, the Club provides much more than breakfast: its approach is based on commitment, self-esteem and capacity development using an optimal formula adapted to local needs. Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 243,500 children and youth in 1,809 schools across the country.
The medal can be purchased online.
The first $100,000 were donated to the Breakfast Club of Canada in July 2020. More information about it can be found in our report.
