On Thursday, October 20 echoes of "crunches" were heard across the city as students enjoyed apples donated by the Children's Nutrition Network (CNN). The Great Big Crunch is a community-wide event where students and staff simultaneously crunch into fresh apples to help raise awareness on the importance of healthy eating.

Academie de la Tamise, Arthur Stringer, Ashley Oaks,  Eagle Heights, Evelyn Harrison, Glen Cairn, Knollwood Park, Lord Elgin, Lord Nelson, Northbrae, Rick Hansen, Ste-Jeanne-d’Arc, St Pius X, Victoria, White Oaks, Wilfrid Jury, and Wilton Grove schools all participated this year.

October’s castle-themed Family Literacy Nights are in full swing. Activities including archery, make a crown, build a sponge castle and create a coat of arms all teach parents and kids ways of developing literacy beyond reading. Families are also sent away with ideas to continue this learning at home.

So far, we've visited five schools in the Thames Valley District School Board and have three more evenings planned for this month.

We recently partnered with RONA London East to help with an art project at the Western Fair. The sheds were decorated by young visitors and will be donated to a local women’s shelter. RONA London East’s commitment to our community is commendable and we look forward to working with them again soon.

Thank you to the Western Ontario Druggists' Golf Association for donating all proceeds from their 82nd Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 14 to Investing in Children.