LOCAL HERO: Vernon woman feeds hungry students

VERNON – Preparing breakfast for up to 100 students may seem like a daunting task but it’s something students at Seaton Secondary School in Vernon look forward to every morning thanks to Anne Mae Rea.

“I love being right near [Anne Mae], she brings me happiness, joy and I love working with her. She’s a great person to be around,” says Grade 12 student Courtenay Sim.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I love being right near [Anne Mae], she brings me happiness, joy and I love working with her. She's a great person to be around," says Grade 12 student Courtenay Sim.

It was 8 years ago when Rea recognized a need for a food program at the high-school in Vernon.

“They were going to close the concession and I said well you can’t, the students need breakfast,” says Rea.

So, she started a free breakfast program for students, feeding between 80 and 100 kids every morning.

She found support from local businesses and a local church that sponsored the school to help pay for the food but she’ll do whatever it takes to feed the kids.

“There are times I know when Anne Mae has gone out and purchased stuff with her own money. We don’t want her to be doing that but she will be very insistent on it,” says school principal Jackie Kersey.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There are times I know when Anne Mae has gone out and purchased stuff with her own money. We don't want her to be doing that but she will be very insistent on it," says school principal Jackie Kersey.

Students, some who don’t have time to eat before running out the door, others, whose families can’t afford it, line up every morning for a free meal thanks to Rea.

Rea’s contributions go beyond giving out free meals to the students at Seaton.

She doesn’t seek any recognition for her efforts because she considers what she gets in return to be priceless.

“The students are my friends; life wouldn’t be worth anything if I didn’t have the students and the friendship of the students and the staff here. It’s like I belong here,” says Rea.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The students are my friends; life wouldn't be worth anything if I didn't have the students and the friendship of the students and the staff here. It's like I belong here," says Rea.

Rea also runs a lunch program for the students at Seaton. She says she’ll continue helping youth as long as she’s able.

Rea is a retired office clerk.