Hundreds of students in need received free school supplies at the Salvation Army's back-to-school fair on Friday, Aug. 23.
More than 500 students came out to the fair at Christian Life Assembly Church where they received backpacks filled with supplies for the new school year, in addition the fair offered free haircuts, information about community resources, face painting, and bouncy castles. Community service providers like Food 4 the Soul project and ISSofBC were also in attendance
This year SD42 helped out with funding to allow the Salvation Army to purchase grade-specific school supply kits that fall in line with the same supplies teachers in the district require for their students.
"Younger students even got the option of choosing a backpack as well," said Amelia Norrie with the Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries.
"Thanks to Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey and the Tim Horton’s TimBits program, we were also able to hand out lunch kits to all students attending," added Norrie, also noting that community partners such as Envision Financial, Rami’s barbers and Bexley Hair Lounge were also in attendance to "make the day really special."
The back-to-school fair is held every year. Registration is done through the schools at the end of each school year and is free for those who require the support.
The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows is a multi-function facility focused on providing the essential needs of food, shelter, and support to the residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
For more information about the Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries go to: https://ridgemeadowssa.ca/.
