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Since last September The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund has distributed $900,000 to schools to feed and clothe needy children. Most of it has been spent but the meals that money was to provide until school ended won’t be served.

It’s a grim reality but many families living on social assistance or minimum wage jobs can’t feed their children and pay rent. This newspaper has chronicled this misery since it began financing school meals in 2011 using money raised from the Adopt-A-School campaign.

This situation is now much worse as many people have lost jobs.

When asked to help, the Sedin’s response was immediate. They would.

“Although our initial wish was to provide for things like school trips and after-hours programs they won’t be happening for a while,” said Henrik. “In the meantime the need for food takes priority.”

Daniel said: “It’s time for all of us to help each other in whatever way we can. We’re fortunate and grateful to have the opportunity to do something for the community.

“We are hoping others — with the ability to help — will join us and see the need to feed these families.

“Is there anything else we can do?”

There isn’t enough space in this story to outline all that the Sedins have done for B.C. families during the time the brothers played for the Vancouver Canucks and since their retirement.

The hashtag for the Sedin Family Foundation — #communityisateamsport — couldn’t be more apt.

Their concern for impoverished children and families mirrors accounts that are appearing in the international press about other famous sports stars donating money to help the poor during the COVID-19 pandemic.