The mother ofPhilando Castileis using the foundation she set up in her son’s name to help young students and carry on his legacy.
The donation, made in behalf of thePhilando Castile Relief Foundation, helped to ensure that all 334 seniors at the high school will graduate on time without having to worry about their remaining lunch money balance. According toCBS affiliate WCCO, unpaid lunch bills have amounted to over $300,000 in the school’s district and is a statewide problem.
“Most households are struggling living paycheck to paycheck, and we want to bring a little relief to them,” Valerie tells PEOPLE. “That’s the last thing you want or need to worry about is paying for a meal that rightfully should be free.”
She adds: “Our children have one job and that is to go to school to get educated and become the future leaders of this country. I’m on a mission from God and the spirit of my son.”
Other donations to schools have previously been made in Philando’s honor, such as last year when thePhilando Feeds the Childrencharity raised more than $130,000 to pay off the lunch debts for every school in the St. Paul area, according to Fox affiliate KMSP.
WCCO
For many students readying to walk across the stage, Valerie and the foundation just gave them the opportunity to focus on their classes free of worry about money.
“This was a huge humanitarian act in our community,” Carlton Jenkins, superintendent of Robbinsdale-area schools, toldNPR.
It was on July 6, 2016, when St. Anthony police officerJeronimo Yanezshot Philando during a traffic stop.Protestserupted around the country after Philando’s girlfriend,Diamond Reynolds— who was with him and her 4-year-old daughter in the car during the shooting — live-streamed the aftermath of the shooting on Facebook.
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Reynolds said Philando was shotafter being asked to provide his driver’s licenseand after he announced he had a gun, for which he had a permit.
Yanez laterclaimed he feared for his lifeand thought Castile was reaching for a gun to shoot him. He wasacquitted of manslaughter in 2017.
More than 1,500 people attended Philando’s public funeral, which was held at the Cathedral of St. Paul,according to theStar Tribune.
To donate to the cause or request assistance, visit the Philando Castile Foundation websitehere.
source: people.com
