Moncton, NB – The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has had an impact on many organizations and individuals in Greater Moncton. Among those hit hard are local non-for-profit groups at a time when they are needed more than ever.

Mary O’Donnell, Executive Director of Moncton Headstart receives a surprise cheque for $25,000 from Mr. Robert K. Irving, Co-CEO for J.D. Irving, Limited. Pictured behind, to ensure proper physical distancing, are Monica Hudson, Development Officer for Moncton Headstart and Wayne McDonald, Vice President of Corporate Relations for J.D. Irving, Limited.

“Spring is a time when many local organizations try to raise funds to be able to deliver the programs and services our community relies on. This unprecedented situation has forced them to cancel many critical fund-raising events,” said Robert K. Irving, Co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited.  

What had been previously arranged as check-in visits for Mr. Irving to see how the organizations were doing, turned out to be very impactful. On Thursday and Friday, six local not-for-profit organizations received gifts totaling $175,000. The organizations included Moncton Headstart, the Boys & Girls Club of Moncton, Atlantic Wellness Community Center, Harvest House Atlantic, Sistema, and P.R.O. Kids (Dieppe, Moncton, Riverview).  

“We have existing relationships with these organizations and know the impact they have in our community. We also know they are worrying about their finances. We are grateful we can provide them with this much-needed support,” said Mr. Irving.

Moncton Headstart is a charitable community agency dedicated to providing quality early family intervention and support services to help children and their families realize their full potential. Headstart Families struggle to meet their most basic needs and require services, resource awareness and programs to help them thrive. “Like many non-profits, Moncton Headstart is trying to find its new normal. Part of this is evaluating how fundraising is done. Our visit with Mr. Irving was more than we expected. What we thought was a quick visit (respecting physical distancing) to talk about how we are adapting and continuing our program, turned into a very emotional and touching cheque presentation. This funding will allow Moncton Headstart to continue to provide its essential services to families who need it most during this time. We are overwhelmed by J.D Irving’s generosity,” said Mary O’Donnell, Executive Director, Moncton Headstart.

Sistema’s mission is to inspire children and youth to achieve their full potential through learning and performing orchestral music. In addition to developing music skills, children improve their literacy and grades, gain confidence and self esteem and build a solid foundation in their lives for the future. “This means everything to us. Sistema is helping change an entire generation of young people because they have been given an opportunity. It’s enabling young people to learn, grow and understand their capacity,” said Ken MacLeod, the Founder of the Sistema NB program. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Moncton supports the healthy physical, educational, and social development of more than 1,000 young people and their families each year in the Greater Moncton area. “It's really challenging seeing your revenue disappear. We are grateful and delighted that our organization has been chosen by J.D. Irving to receive this generous donation that is going to make a huge difference. Such a meaningful commitment enables more than 1000 kids to have access to world class programming through education, health and well-being and leadership and civic engagement. We are driven by the ultimate passion to help young people discover, develop and achieve their full potential as adults, citizens and leaders of our communities,” said Moncef Lakouas, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Moncton.  

Other organizations who received funding include:

• Harvest House Atlantic strives to meet the needs of the people who are lost, lonely, addicted and hurting. They do this through different programs including a community centre and emergency shelter, Step-Up housing, residential addiction recovery programs, life skills, and skills and employment training.
• The Atlantic Wellness Community Center ensures youth have timely access to professional, coordinated mental healthcare services regardless of their ability to pay.
• P.R.O. Kids is a community program in Riverview, Dieppe and Moncton that assumes the cost and allows underprivileged youth to take part in a wide range of sports, recreational and cultural activities. In 2019, P.R.O Kids placed children in 1,500 activities in the Greater Moncton area.

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For more information please contact: 
Mary Keith
VP of Communications
J.D. Irving, Limited 
(506) 632-5122 Office
(506) 650-8209 Cell
Email:  keith.mary@jdirving.com