Raising a toast to our Western Coast Tillicum team

December 4, 2019

There’s nothing quite like a piece of toast for breakfast — maybe it’s with cheese or your spread of choice — and our Western Coast Insurance Services experts in Tillicum give kids breakfast before class.

Chaundra Maude, branch manager, said the Tillicum Elementary Breakfast Program assists youth who do not have the opportunity to eat before school to ensure they have the best start to their lessons.

“Going hungry is terrible,” she said. “Knowing that we support a community program that ensures kids aren’t having a difficult time in school focusing because they’re hungry and can’t get enough food, is touching.”

“It’s something I’m proud to say we help with.”

Arriving bright and early on Tuesdays, everything starts with our people preparing the toast.

“We see a lot of kids,” she said. “We usually go through three to four loaves of bread a day.”

With two toast options on the menu — cheese or a soy-butter alternative — the kids also choose from oatmeal, apples or oranges and when funding allows it, milk and yoghurt is available as well.

“When they get that piece of toast, their faces light up and they say, thank-you,” Maude said.

She explained people often take for granted their ability to grab an easy breakfast in the morning. Others aren’t so lucky to be able to do so — Western Coast Insurance Services is ready to help.

“I look forward to it each week, knowing I get to do the toast program,” Maude said.

Any student can come through for toast and breakfast items, she said. Often the children are still hungry after one and if supplies last, their appreciation for a second piece comes via their smiles.

“At the end of each school year, the kids usually do up a thank-you program saying how much they enjoy the toast program and that we’re able to assist,” she said.