An Edmonton retail cooperative is donating $50,000 to fund the snack program at a local non-profit that supports children who have experienced abuse as they navigate the justice system. North-Central Co-op announced the donation Friday at its Hawkstone location in west Edmonton. The money will fund the Zebra Centre’s snack program for a year. Officials from both organizations say something as simple as a snack can bring comfort and a sense of normalcy to children in stressful situations. “When kids come to the Zebra Centre, they’ve experienced abuse, and that’s certainly not comfortable or fun, but we want to help make it a bit more gentle as we’re guiding them along the way,” Emmy Steubing, the Zebra Centre’s chief executive officer, told CTV News Edmonton on Friday. “Snacks, having a full tummy, makes a big difference when they’re having to come for all these different kinds of meetings and interviews.” Candice Kline, CEO of North-Central Co-op, said supporting the Zebra Centre “felt like it aligned with our values” because her organization also offers snack and lunch programs. She said 66 organizations and charities applied for grants. “The core value of Co-ops is that we are here for community,” Kline said on Friday. “It’s one of our main values being a cooperative, and what makes us a bit different in our communities is that we give back to the communities that we work, live and play in.” With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brandon Lynch
