MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Big ticket leasing merchant Easyhome will donate about C$2 million to renovate the kitchens in some 100 Boys & Girls Clubs in Canada, boosting their ability to provide nutritious food while teaching kids how to prepare healthy meals.

"Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs provide young people with more than five million healthy meals and snacks that boost their energy and keep them active and engaged during the critical after-school period," Pam Jolliffe, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC), said in a statement.

"In many ways, the kitchen is the centrepiece of our clubs - it's a place where our young people learn how to prepare meals, discover the importance of good nutrition and develop lifelong healthy eating habits," she said.

Easyhome announced the donation in a presentation during its recent national convention for store managers. Called Easybites, the program will see Easyhome provide renovations and equipment to 10 of the kitchens a year until all 100 facilities have been upgraded. The publicly held leasing merchant will provide C$20,000 for each renovation project.

"As a longstanding supporter of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, we are delighted to provide this investment and enhance up to 10 Easybite kitchens and equipment in Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada each year," David Ingram, Easyhome's president and CEO, said.

Taking part in the presentation was Canadian actress Lisa Ray, host of television's "Top Chef Canada," star of the Oscar-nominated film "Water" and a wellness advocate who understands the importance of good nutrition, especially for growing bodies.

Easyhome has been a corporate supporter of Boys & Girls Club of Canada since 2004.