A back to school barbecue event organized by the Stephen's Backpacks Society (SBS) is set to take place on Aug. 24 at King’s Court Church in Airdrie. The event highlights the organization's commitment to education and community support.
With a promise to distribute free backpacks full of school essentials for children and families in need in the community, the event aims to help lend a hand for the upcoming school year.
Attendees to the barbecue can look forward to a day of fun-filled activities, including games, face painting, and music, all of which are offered completely free of charge. SBS organizers have expressed their enthusiasm for welcoming the community to this festive occasion.
Founded in 2006, SBS emerged from a young boy's wish to assist children in need. Through the dedicated efforts of the McPhee family and the organization's supportive volunteers, SBS has consistently delivered backpacks packed with essential school supplies, hygiene products, footwear, and toys to students ever since. The back-to-school event aligns perfectly with this mission, as it aims to celebrate the start of a new school year, fosters a sense of unity, and helps provide mutual support within the community.
Nancy McPhee, the director of SBS, shed light on the organization's commitment to help local families get off on the right foot to start the 2023-24 school year.
"We’ve gone out and purchased over $6,000 in school supplies and we are providing well over 100 backpacks to give out to elementary, middle, and high school students," said McPhee.
She expressed the organization's excitement about being part of an initiative that meets a critical need in the community, ensuring that children have the necessary tools to embark on their educational journey successfully.
McPhee further elaborated on the organization's projects, sharing that the back-to-school program would be integrated with their Christmas program. This approach recognizes the ongoing demand for school supplies even beyond the initial back-to-school rush.
“We are combining these two programs because we find that a lot of kids are needing school supplies in January as well,” said McPhee.
Additionally, McPhee highlighted the society’s broader efforts, including the "Four Seasons of Hope," which involves furnishing homes for families in need. This year, the organization has ambitious plans to provide homes for three families, building upon its already impressive track record of 34 homes furnished.
Amidst their proactive efforts, McPhee expressed deep appreciation for the sense of community and collaboration that characterizes Airdrie.
"It’s so wonderful to live in a community where people come together and they always reach out to help one another. There are so many wonderful charities in Airdrie, I just wanted to say a huge shout-out to all of them for working as hard as they do," she said.
As the barbecue event gets closer, organizers anticipate a day of celebration and giving back to those in need.
To be part of this uplifting event, interested individuals can register through Eventbrite. To find more information about SBS’s vision and other projects, they can visit stephensbackpacks.com.
Stephen’s Backpacks for Children in Need Society is a non-profit, registered charity based in Airdrie.
