Niagara Nutrition Partners serves 17,000 students a healthy meal daily in 180 schools. For the past 5 years, FirstOntario has been instrumental in providing on-site support – with BlueWave teams cooking, preparing, and serving food in various school locations throughout Niagara. They also assist in coordinating and funding our Farm to School program. Each month, employees pick up and deliver bushels of apples direct to programs across the 12 municipalities we serve. Their commitment to ensuring local and fresh produce is available to students is imperative for the program to run. We truly value their provision! The FirstOntario team played a pivotal role in our response to the COVID-19 school closures. Their assistance allowed us to mobilize quickly and partner with other organizations to have food delivered directly to student doorsteps. During this challenging time, the true character of FirstOntario was evident – remarkable determination to help the community around them!

“The work that the FirstOntario Blue Wave volunteers have been doing in the schools in Haldimand and Norfolk County has made the Student Nutrition Programs stronger and richer over the years. It has been really great to be able to say they are one of our partners in supporting the student’s health in our area.” -Sharon Smyth, Community Facilitator, Child Nutrition Network of Haldimand and Norfolk “They are wonderful! Blue Wave volunteers mean a lot to our breakfast program. All the kids really appreciate it.” Wendy Sullivan – Education Assistant and student nutrition program coordinator.

FirstOntario Credit Union and it's staff played a pivotal role in our Foundation's fundraising efforts this past year. Their dedication and enthusiasm while selling 50/50 tickets during our home games helped make it possible for us to raise over $150,000 this past season. Their commitment to volunteerism and strengthening our community was evident each and every game. The money they helped raise was put towards our Breakfast Program which feeds children at 23 local high need schools every day. On behalf of the Hamilton Bulldogs Foundation, thank you for helping make a positive impact in our community.