Providing hundreds of local school children with a nutritious breakfast is a labour of love, and it's one that Sudburians support, said organizers of the inaugural Labour Day Fun Fest.

While every part of the event was free, from the barbecue lunch to the cotton candy, more than $5,000 was raised to support the Human League Association’s breakfast program. Thousands of Sudburians attended this year’s first Labour Day Fun Fest.

Ashley Kaattari, co-ordinator of the Breakfast Club for Kids, accepted the donation from the organizing committee.

“We are so thankful to everyone in the community who came to Bell Park to celebrate Labour Day,” said Kaattari. “There was so much energy and enthusiasm, everyone had a great time and we have heard nothing but positive comments.”

The donation will help provide Sudbury school children with a nutritious breakfast.

“Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach,” said Kaattari. “This donation will help keep our program strong as the new school year gets underway.”

Sudburians flocked to the inaugural event, organized and paid for by local labour unions, including the Retail Wholesale Department Store Union (RWDSU), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), and the United Steelworkers local 6500 and local 2020.

Derik MacArthur, President of the RWDSU, was blown away by the success.

“We set out to make Labour Day a fun and exciting event, a day for Sudbury to gather together and enjoy,” he said. “Thanks to all the support from volunteers and the community we had an amazing day. We have already started plans for a bigger and better event next year.”