Bruce Guthro Zero Hunger Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2022
Bruce Guthro: Raising Dough and Stocking Shelves
Guthro teams up with Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia to launch the Bruce Guthro Zero Hunger Fund – a campaign to stock food pantries in rural NS schools
TANTALLON, NS – Singer-songwriter Bruce Guthro has put his name behind an effort to stock School Free Store Pantries, also known as ‘Free Stores’ in rural Nova Scotia schools. The Bruce Guthro Zero Hunger Campaign will raise funds to supply the hundreds of Free Stores currently in operation and add new ones where needed.
Students can ‘shop’ from the Free Store shelves and take what they need without fear of embarrassment or judgement.
In rural Nova Scotia, one in every five students lives at or below the poverty line. In other words, 20% of kids in rural Nova Scotia schools come from families that don’t have enough money to buy the necessities.
“I grew up in a large family with a very modest income,” Guthro said. “We can all relate to the struggle parents face these days with food costs and tight budgets. These School Free Store Pantries are a big help and integral tool.”
“Right now, about 60-70% of our rural schools have Free Stores. But 100% of our schools need them,” added Penny Cooper, Executive Director of The Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia. “Oftentimes, people in rural communities don’t have access to the same level of services offered in urban areas. That’s why having these Free Stores in rural schools is so important.”
Gifts to the campaign will both fill bellies and fuel minds – helping young people focus on their studies, graduate from high school, and go on to a bright future.
With Guthro’s help, the Foundation is appealing to the community for online donations to help get food and other needed supplies to families.
“It’s an uncertain time for all of us,” Guthro said. “Everyone is feeling unsettled right now. But with support from our generous community, we’ll be able to help kids and families get the essentials they need during the Holidays and beyond.”
“Online donations will be the biggest help to us right now,” Boyd said.
The Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia website is secure and ready to process online donations. Anyone wishing to donate can go to The Bruce Guthro Zero Hunger Campaign. A tax receipt will be sent immediately for all donations over $10.
The Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCFNS) has been making small grants to rural community organizations since 2004, in an accountable and transparent way. Its grant programs have supported local groups whose work is focused on youth, environment, leadership, seniors, and rural innovation in the province, including Mi’kmaq communities. Visit RCFNS to learn more.
Bruce Guthro is a Canadian singer-songwriter, from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Guthro has recorded as a solo artist and was lead vocalist for the Scottish Celtic rock band Runrig from 1998 until the group retired in 2018. He has received several ECMAs (East Coast Music Awards). Learn more at www.bruceguthro.com.
Media Contact
Penny Cooper
Executive Director
Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia
(902) 717-3675 | ed@rcfofns.com
