Jason Teakle
BRANT NEWS

School nutrition programs in Brantford and the County of Brant received some festive support from Brantford police and firefighters on Friday afternoon.

Brant Food For Thought’s third annual So You Think You Can Wrap? gift wrapping contest saw city police officers take on firefighters in a Christmas gift-wrapping competition at the Lynden Park Mall.

Brant Food For Thought runs 56 school nutrition programs in the city and county, reaching 9,100 students. More than one million meals are served to students during the school year.

“We are raising awareness about student nutrition programs,” said Gisele Budgell, program co-ordinator with Brant Food For Thought. “Our gift-wrapping booth raises funds for our programs.

“Nutrition programs are not about poverty. They are about enhancing the nutritional environment in schools. Today, community service people such as police and firefighters are donating their time to bring some Christmas spirit to our booth.”

Brantford Fire Department Chief Jeff McCormick said firefighters were pleased to help Brant Food For Thought.

“Any way we can help bring awareness to an organization that is doing great work in the community, we’re happy to help out,” McCormick said.

Police used their investigative skills to be competitive in Friday’s event, said Brantford Police Service Deputy Chief Geoff Nelson.

“We get into unknown situations, we assess the situation and we wrap it up,” Nelson said. “This is a great event to draw attention to Brant Food For Thought’s programs. We are more than happy to participate.”

Monetary donations to Brant Food For Thought are being accepted at the charitable organization’s gift-wrapping booth at the mall. Call 519-759-6164 or visit www.brantfoodforthought.ca for more information.