Parents know better than anyone that the cost of items never goes down, and this is true when the back to school shopping season commences in August.
Luckily, the good people at Victory Thrift Store are once again pitching in to help in aiding students with school supplies.
For families with several children, the costs can be unnerving. Each year, the organization sees an increase in the number of families applying, and as the costs of living in the Bow Valley continue to rise, so does the need to adequately equip local students.
The organization will hold its 15th annual back to school program with a community barbecue at Canmore’s Elevation Place on Saturday (Aug. 8) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For over 14 years, Victory Thrift has helped the community through its Back to School Program. Each year, with the help of Bow Valley Basics, the organization has worked at being able to provide school supplies for children throughout the valley.
“We help low-income families get school supplies and backpacks for their school year and we’ll be at Elevation Place this Saturday for a barbecue and games,” said Victory communications coordinator Danielle Foisy. “The money for the food that we’ll be selling at the barbecue will go towards the program, and we’ll also have a donation board so if people want to help in sponsoring a student they can donate there.
Children’s games, face painting and a bouncy castle will also be provided for entertainment. Members will also be available for parents to talk to about the organization’s program.
“If they want to donate they can, if they want to apply for the program they will be able to do that as well,” Foisy said. “We’re ordering backpacks and Canadian Tire is helping us with that.”
The organization raises funding and gives the applicants a gift card to Bow Valley Basics. This allows applicants to personally pick out what each individual student needs for their new school year. Victory Thrift also runs its Jacket Frost Program later in the year for children’s winter-wear.
Through community donations from individuals, families, businesses, golf tournaments, and staff associations, Victory has been able to assist over 1,000 students in being properly equipped for their new school years.
