Organizations partnering on school supply program
By Lethbridge Herald on August 3, 2024.
Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Arnaud Sparks, education manager organizes school supplies that have been donated for the Ready, Set, Go! campaign Tuesday at the Cor Van Raay YMCA of Lethbridge.Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
Multiple local organizations have partnered up for the 11th annual Ready, Set, Go! Campaign to collect school supplies for local students in need, to help them succeed in the upcoming school year.
The YMCA of Lethbridge has partnered up once again with MyCityCare, Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, Lethbridge School Division, Interfaith Food Bank and Lethbridge Food Bank to help local students under financial stress to receive the school supplies they need.
Arnaud Sparks, education manager at the YMCA said the need for school supplies continues to increase every year and that is why they are asking the community for help.
“We had 1800 kids last year and this year we’re expecting about 2000 and so every year since it began the program has been growing and we’re always looking for school supplies,” said Sparks.
He said they will be collecting supplies until Aug. 9 and they will be distributed at a main event towards the end of August where multiple organizations will be involved.
“The event it’s a back to school fair that provides free school supplies to families in need and also links them up with community organizations that serve youth within the city,” said Sparks.
He said unlike last year when they run the event for three days, this year they will be running it for two at two different locations.
“At the YMCA of Lethbridge on Aug. 21 from noon until 6 p.m. and at Casa on Aug. 22 from noon until 6 p.m. as well,” said Sparks.
He said at the events there will be around 20 organizations with booths sharing information about their programs while also providing activities for those in attendance.
When it comes to what type of school supplies they are looking for, Sparks said any and all school supplies are welcome, especially backpacks as they are some of the most expensive on students’ lists.
“Emailing MyCityCare is a great way to figure out what is needed. Maybe binders, or crayons, or calculators, whatever that may be. Otherwise if your student has a school supply list, it’s on your student school supply list as well so you can be inspired by that,” said Sparks.
And for those who no longer have school-aged children that can provide them with a school supply list, or anyone who is willing and able to make monetary donations they can do so by visiting the MyCityCare website and donating online.
Also, there are multiple places across the city where school supplies can be dropped off as part of the campaign, not just the partnering organizations.
“We have drop off locations all throughout the city including Coulee Climbing, busy butterfly daycare, unique beauty, and the parallel church, among others,” said Sparks.
He said the YMCA of Lethbridge is also giving residents an extra incentive to donate school supplies.
“The YMCA is doing a free drop-in pass to anyone who donates between July 29 and Aug. 9, you just have to bring your school supplies to the front desk and say hey I’m looking to donate in exchange for a free drop-in pass and you get a free day pass,” said Sparks.
Those in need of help obtaining school supplies are asked to registered online on the MyCityCare website and take part of the events to pick up the supplies or pick them up at MyCityCare afterwards.
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