Super Dave Skiing to Raise Funds for Healthy Food Again

Feb 03, 2017

Super Dave is doing it again! Long-time volunteer Dave Linton raised over $2,700 last year to support healthy school snacks provided by the Southern Frontenac Food Bank in Sydenham. And he’s asking you to help him do the same or better this year.

Dave will be skiing in the 51 km Gatineau Loppet cross country ski marathon on February 18, and is seeking donations in support of his efforts. “Super Dave,” as called by his close friends, feels strongly that feeding children healthy snacks helps them learn and perform better. The Food bank based in Sydenham serves about 50 families each month with fresh and non-perishable food, and during the school year, this includes items for children to ensure they get to school with a healthy snack.

The school snack program provides healthy and fun snacks to children in families with limited incomes to ensure kids receive the fuel they need for their bodies and brains to succeed. For five years, the food bank has been providing children with non-perishable snacks, such as pudding and apple sauce. In 2015, thanks to the one time grant, these snacks were enhanced with perishable items like yogurt, cheese, grape tomatoes, baby carrots, and celery, making them even healthier. The cost of purchased items is about $4.00 per snack, with an annual cost of over $2,400.

A 51 km international level ski race sounds daunting enough, but it can be especially challenging if you are 76 years old. “I’m an advocate of daily exercise and physical activity,” says Dave, “I’ve been able to compete at this level for a long time and still hold my own. I’m excited to race again this year, and dedicate it to this cause.”

Dave – a long-time volunteer with SFCSC – has a goal of raising $2,500 once again to support and enhance the kids’ healthy school snack program. “I want to dedicate it to helping kids in our community achieve greatness, and often that starts most simply, with active living and nutritious food.”

Dave is challenging his friends, family, local businesses and the community in general to support his fundraising efforts by pledging to donate an amount per kilometre, or make a flat rate donation.

Donations can be made to support Dave by dropping by the SFCSC office or Food Bank – now located at 4295 Stage Coach Road – or donate online at http://www.sfcsc.ca/super-dave-ski-fundraiser