Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Fondation Faim d’Aider, dedicated to addressing food insecurity among children, ha
partnered with Restaurant Alpina for a summer-long fundraising campaign that promises to
make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable youth. From July 1 to September 2, patrons
of Restaurant Alpina can order a special dish called the “Béné Faim d’Aider,” with $5 from each
purchase directly supporting the foundation’s mission.

Founded in 2003 by Elena and Victor Mazzola, the Fondation Faim d’Aider was inspired by a
powerful observation: children perform better in school when they are not hungry. The
Mazzolas, who also run a catering business serving local primary schools, noticed that a
particular teacher was paying out of pocket to ensure students had meals. This teacher
observed significant improvements in behaviour and concentration among students who
received food. This revelation spurred the Mazzolas to establish the foundation, which has since
provided over 23,000 healthy meals to 562 children across more than 50 schools in the region.

At the heart of the foundation’s work is the belief that no child should have to struggle to learn
on an empty stomach. By providing nutritious meals, the foundation aims to not only alleviate
immediate hunger but also support long-term academic and personal success. The partnership
with Restaurant Alpina exemplifies this commitment. Each order of the “Béné Faim d’Aider”
represents a direct contribution to feeding a child in need, turning a meal out into a meaningful
act of kindness.

The impact of the Fondation Faim d’Aider extends beyond numbers and statistics. While the
foundation maintains the anonymity of its beneficiaries, the stories of transformation and hope
are evident in the improved performance and well-being of the children they serve. Each meal
provided is a step toward leveling the playing field for children who might otherwise be left
behind. The foundation discreetly works with schools to identify children in need, ensuring they
receive the same nutritious meals as their peers without stigma or embarrassment.

As the summer unfolds, the collaboration between Restaurant Alpina and the Fondation Faim
d’Aider serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a
shared purpose. The campaign invites everyone to partake in this effort, transforming ordinary
acts of dining into extraordinary acts of giving. By the end of the summer, the hope is that
hundreds more children will have benefited from this initiative, their lives a little brighter and their
futures a little more secure.

The Fondation Faim d’Aider is always in need of donations and volunteers to sustain and
expand their efforts. Community members can contribute financially through the foundation’s
website at faimdaider.ca or offer their time and skills to support various initiatives.

Photo: The Fondation Faim d’Aider has partnered with Restaurant Alpina for a summer
fundraising campaign, where $5 from each special dish ordered will support providing nutritious ​
meals to food-insecure children, aiming to enhance their academic and personal success. (TF)
Photo: Tashi Farmilo