Local RTOERO District Strengthens 7-10 Club Food Program at

Nanaimo, British Columbia, Nov. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 7-10 Club of Nanaimo is boosting its food program for those in need with a $4,000 grant from District 47 of Vancouver Island from RTOERO. The RTOERO grant has made a significant contribution to a group that is still operating on the cutting edge, but has had a consistent track record for over 35 years. The funds were used to upgrade refrigeration and dishwashing equipment.

District 47 funding is part of RTOERO’s annual community grant program. Since 1968, RTOERO has been the voice of teachers, school and school board administrators, educational support staff, and retired college and university faculty and staff.

RTOERO’s mission is to improve the lives of our members and seniors. Each year, districts apply for grants to support community projects. For 2022, RTOERO has funded 22 projects for a total of $87,471.

“Our grant cannot solve homelessness or do everything for the 7-10 Club, but is intended to help this invaluable support group continue to treat customers with dignity,” said David Stowell-Smith, President. of Vancouver Island District 47, RTOERO.

Since 1985, the 7-10 Club has been meeting the needs of people living in poverty, people living on the streets, people living in poverty and children living in poverty who often do not eat breakfast. Recently, the 7-10 Club itself is “unhoused”, because its former location was used for the construction of social housing. Now in temporary facilities, the organization faces additional stress for the organization, its volunteers and its clientele. The name “7-10 Club” is indicative of the different style used to serve those in need; they do not queue for their meals but rather are seated at a table and served as in a restaurant, as a way of acknowledging their personal dignity.

Since the Community Grants Program was established 22 years ago, RTOERO has awarded $1.9 million to more than 525 programs and projects. A committee of RTOERO members assesses the merits of each grant application.

“Across Ontario, local actions can bring a community together. The elderly, children, the most vulnerable and the environment can all benefit from support. This is the idea behind the grant program, the impact of which is being felt widely,” says Martha Foster, Chair of the RTOERO Board of Directors. “Our members care about their communities and partner with great organizations that translate into action on the ground. We believe in a better future, together.

District 47 has over 600 members and covers the Greater Victoria area, communities north and south of Malahat, the southern Gulf Islands, and the Gulf Islands north of Salt Spring Island. The district plays a key role in helping members stay engaged and connected, with each other and with the community.

RTOERO is a bilingual trusted voice on healthy active living in the retirement journey for the wider education community. With more than 82,000 members in 51 districts across Canada, we are the largest national provider of not-for-profit group health benefits for retirees in the education sector.

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• Local RTOERO District Strengthens 7-10 Club Food Program in Nanaimo

• Local RTOERO District Strengthens 7-10 Club Food Program in Nanaimo