We know that when we start our annual Adopt-a-School campaign this fall, we will continue to hear — and report — stories of the plight of children living in our cities, and our neighbourhoods, many of whom go to school every day without having had a good breakfast, without warm clothing and the basic necessities they require to get the best start in life.

We know, too, that our readers will continue to help us improve their situation, to provide breakfast and lunch and jackets and shoes, to those who need it most.

Since the day our first Adopt-a-School news story was published in the fall of 2011, generous Vancouver Sun readers have helped us raise close to $5 million to improve the lives of B.C.’s neediest school children.

The 2018 campaign alone resulted in a record $923,774 being granted to 129 public schools across the province to feed, clothe and provide for impoverished children and their families.

The money you donate helps teachers and school staff who are dealing with children suffering from the effects of poverty and enables them to provide breakfast or lunch, or food at weekends.  We are grateful for that, and for the opportunity to make a difference.

“The plight of these children and their families is a major social issue. This newspaper’s editorial policy is that government must recognize there are thousands of children coming to school hungry every day and do something to alleviate it,” said Harold Munro, editor in chief of The Vancouver Sun and Province, and chair of The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund, under which Adopt-a-School operates.

“It should not be left solely in the hands of sympathetic teachers, volunteers and the charity of the public.” (In 2018) our readers responded magnificently. Their generosity has been overwhelming and everyone who helped us with a donation has my deepest gratitude.”