This year, Stephen’s Backpacks will kick off its Christmas campaign by thanking the volunteers who make it all happen.
For the past five years, the charity has been collecting backpacks filled with winter clothing, hygiene products and toys to give to needy children in Airdrie, Calgary and the surrounding areas. This year, the event’s kick off, called The Spirit of Volunteerism, will take place at Stephen’s headquarters on Kingsview Blvd. on Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“We wanted this year to be a real celebration of the people who volunteer,” said Nancy McPhee, director of Stephen’s Backpacks.
“This would still just be Stephen’s dream if it wasn’t for all the volunteers.”
“It just keeps getting bigger and bigger,” said McPhee.
“There are a lot of young people that are catching the vision and seeing that it is really cool to give back. People of all ages; from school children donating items to the elderly in seniors homes knitting hats and mits.”
Stephen’s Backpacks has between 200 and 250 volunteers every year. Last year, the organization gave out 2,025 backpacks and this year, it is aiming for between 2,500 and 3,000.
“As people become aware of the fact that some children don’t have as much as they do, it is really catching on,” said McPhee.
“The spirit of volunteerism is best, bar none, in Airdrie. Every time there is a fire or the food bank needs help, Airdrie makes it happen. The heartbeat of the community is stronger than ever and that’s what makes Airdrie the best place to live in all of Canada.”
If you are interested in donating to Stephen’s Backpacks, you can drop items off at Airdrie Superstore or Inches-a-Weigh. For more information on the charity, visit www.stephensbackpacks.com
