When Linda Jensen went into Jac’s Burgers and Fries to arrange prepared lunches for a job skills program she was running, she had no idea it would inspire owner Debbie Dorey.
The pair got to chatting and Jensen told her about what SchoolsPlus does. She mentioned the Youth Emergency Fund, and a few weeks later, she got a phone call from Dorey, who wanted to help.
“When people hear about our emergency fund and what it does, they love the idea and love to give to it,” said Jensen. “So, it’s always exciting to hear that somebody has an idea about how they can help us fundraise.”
Dorey, who had a surplus of empty ice cream buckets which couldn’t be sold last year due to COVID, began giving them away in exchange for donations.
So far, Jac’s Burgers and Shakes has raised over $200 for the fund.
The fund is meant to help students and families who may not have access to items like food, health products, or gas.
Jensen noted that lots of government and community support programs leave gaps, or take time to process applications — time that isn’t always realistic for families.
“It’s nice to have that fund to get a pair of shoes for a kid within a day or two, or get a lice kit to a family — because people can’t wait with lice in their kid’s hair,” she said.
Dorey said the restaurant will continue raising money until all the buckets are gone. They also plan on fundraising next year.
Anyone wanting to donate to the fund can do so by picking up a few buckets at Jac’s Burgers and Shakes at 668 King Street in Bridgewater before they’re gone.
Donations can also be made directly to the fund year round by cash or cheque. Cheques should be made out to the South Shore Regional Centre for Education, with “Youth Emergency Fund” written in the memo section. They can be dropped off at the SSRCE’s office in Bridgewater.
