5000 kids to be back to school ready.

by British Columbia
Categories: Feature
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Can you remember arriving for the first day of the school year, sitting down at your desk with your brand new pencils, crayons, notepads and a fancy new backpack, and feeling proud to have entered the next grade fully equipped to succeed?

Each September should present every child with a fresh start to a successful school year. Unfortunately, there are many families who simply can’t afford the steep cost of purchasing a long list of required school supplies for their children.

The Salvation Army aims to provide children throughout British Columbia with the necessary tools needed in order to have a successful year – as accomplished through both in kind and monetary donations. The Salvation Army is proud to present once again, the annual Backpack & School Supply Drive running from July 15th through until September 11th.   The goal of the effort, in partnership with Starbucks, Staples, BC Chiropractic Association and Fitness Town along with media sponsors, CKNW and 24 Hours Newspaper, is to raise funds and school supplies for 5000 kids in need throughout the Province as they begin a new school year.

Within the last few years The Salvation Army has seen an increase in families coming for support, especially during this time of year.  “In the last three years, we have seen the demand increase for our backpack program almost twofold,” says Major Ken Ritson, Divisional Secretary for PR & Development.  This year’s goal is to support 5000 kids with a brand new backpack full of all the necessary school supplies – more than doubling the goal from last year.

Ways to help:

– Promote and encourage supporters to drop off new school supplies and backpacks at participating Starbucks and Fitness Town locations.
– Supporters can make a financial donation to the campaign and text “GIVEBC” to 45678 and $5 will be added to your monthly mobile bill or at participating Staples locations.

If you or someone you know requires assistance, please be sure to contact your local Salvation Army for more information with respect to backpacks or any other needs.