“Over the past eleven years, my husband and I have taken in four of our grandchildren so they wouldn’t be left in the foster care system,” Frieda explains to us.
Frieda’s blended family lives in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Frieda and her husband navigate supporting their four grandchildren who are in Kindergarten, Grade 4 and Grade 7 with no involvement from the children’s biological parents.
“Addiction and mental health have always been challenges for our children—this has caused our grandchildren to face a wide range of learning disabilities. Despite the challenges we all face, I am determined to ensure that none of them end up in foster care. They know they are deeply loved and cared for.”
Over the past year, Frieda has been able to access Backpack Buddies for each of her grandchildren through their schools.
“It’s a big relief that the bags come right home with them. It removes the barriers I have faced in trying to get to the Food Bank and lining up for food handouts. For me, Backpack Buddies provides consistent, reliable support that our family can count on.”