Dear editor, Canada; another birthday on your journey in this growing, spirit-filled city of Airdrie.
What better way to celebrate Canada’s birthday than to support children who are not strong and free. They do not have a home.
They do not have their own bed. They do not have new shoes for the first day of school.
Their life is in a backpack that they carry from shelter to shelter.
Our nine-year-old Stephen of Stephen’s Backpacks wanted to hold a special barbecue July 1 to raise money for these children, and once again, Airdrie holds true to their commitment of compassion, unity and support for this little boy with a dream to simply make a difference in the life of a homeless child.
Words cannot express our gratitude for Colin and all of the staff at the Real Canadian Superstore, CTS Television and Wilson Highland School of Dance for their outstanding performances.
We would also like to recognize Anita Anderson for her compassionate heart and talent dedicating a song for Stephen’s Backpacks; Ron Simon, Full Score Sound; Tamara Parenteau for her wonderful talent and voice; Savoury Meats and Sausage, Sundre; Airdrie’s Fire Department for bringing their firefighters and truck to show all the children and all the volunteers and the supportive family - our community.
Over 1,000 children will receive shoes this year because of your support of this Canada Day barbecue.
New running shoes can be dropped off until Aug. 13 at the Real Canadian Superstore and Inches a Weigh or at our Airdrie warehouse, Aug. 14 at 11 a.m.
Since December 2006, Stephen’s Backpacks has helped two families get off the street, raised more than 2,000 pairs of new shoes for kids to start school and given over 4,000 Christmas backpack gifts to children in need across Alberta.
Five years ago, when he was five years old, Stephen dared to Dream out Loud, the spirit of volunteerism - you - made it happen.
Thank you,
Jim and Nancy McPhee, Airdrie
