Fundraiser helps Stevenson continue feeding the kids

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They may have eaten well for one night, but it was done for a cause-to help children who may not get to eat at all.

More than 700 people turned out for the 11th annual Chili for Children fundraiser held at the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts on May 7.

The event not only raises money for one of Regina's largest inner-city charities, but also draws attention to the issue of child hunger, said Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Alphonse Bird.

"Child hunger is an ongoing issue for our people across this province," Bird said in a speech given at the event. "It must be addressed by governments and by citizens ... It's not just an Indian problem. It is not centered on one society."

He also had high praise for Theresa Stevenson, who founded the charity 19 years ago.

"This program has demonstrated the caring of one person," he said.

Chili for Children started in 1985 in Theresa Stevenson's Regina home. In a short speech Stevenson talked about how and why she founded the program.

"I saw some boys playing near our house during a school noon hour. I told them if they could come back tomorrow, I would feed them. There were five of them. And eleven showed up the next day."

Chili for Children is operated by Regina Indian Community Awareness Inc. The program serves nutritious meals for more than 400 children three days a week in three locations in inner city Regina.

It has also expanded its role in the community. It now offers a community kitchen to allow people to cook for themselves and others, and assists in referrals to other agencies that can help low income people in Regina's north-central area.

Stevenson has received a lot of recognition for her work with Chili For Children, including a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Community Development in 1999, and the Order of Canada in 1994.