WATCH: The spirit of the holidays took to the big screen Sunday morning for hundreds of local kids. Ceilidh Millar has your community story.
The childhood dreams of more than 300 students from throughout Greater Victoria came true on Sunday.
“It’s movies, pancakes, and pj’s, what could be better!” said one student.
IMAX Victoria hosted a screening of Polar Express and breakfast for more than 300 kids.
On the menu were 900 pancakes, 62 pounds of oranges and water.
Many of the students, who are mainly in Grades 4 and 5, are part of Greater Victoria’s breakfast programs.
“It’s a great way for us to open our doors in a different way then we usually do,” said Leah Silver with IMAX Victoria. “We’re giving back to the community and spreading some holiday spirit.”
The event was organized by Breakfast2Music, a volunteer-led not for profit, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Victoria Harbourside.
Several local organizations, businesses and individuals also pitched in to help fund the event.
“It’s hard to believe in Victoria, but we have kids showing up every morning that haven’t had anything to eat,” said Brian Shaughnessy of Rotary Club of Victoria-Harbourside.
“This year we were able to support breakfast programs in ten schools,” said Kathryn Stolle with Breakfast2Music. “We are very pleased by the support.”
According to the 2015 census, 15 per cent of children in Greater Victoria — around 3,000 children — live in poverty.
“We know that if they have a healthy breakfast they’re going to have a great day at school,” Shaughnessy explained. “That’s what this is all about.”
Additional funds raised from event will go towards breakfast and music programs for kids in Greater Victoria.
Ceilidh Millar
