On August 22nd, 2019, Boundless Vancouver hosted an inaugural Back to School Fair. By 2 pm, Glad Tiding’s gym was bustling with excitement. Over the course of four hours, over 560 children grades 1 – 12 received brand new backpacks and school supplies through an edifying experience in the Backpack Store. In total, over 1,000 people attended the event between 2 pm and 6 pm. 

“I was really impressed with the backpacks. I was able to choose out the exact same backpacks for my son as his friend. He was very happy when he found out.” – Mother of Grade 1 Student

Connections were made with our neighbours, community partners, and donors. Buzzing with conversation and exciting activities, the atmosphere …was like Christmas,” said one mother. Each child’s experience was one-of-a-kind.

“He got to see one of his friends from Camp Sunrise, and they played in the bouncy castle together. It was the highlight for him.”

– Mother of Grade 1 Student

16 Community Partner booths were set up around the gym. They came with resources and knowledge on all different topics including after-school programs, government grants for university, music classes, community resources, government funding, mental health awareness, anthropology and more. 

Pacific Fairytale’s Supergirl posed for pictures with children and families, sparking creativity and imagination. Global News was at the event to capture its highlights and stories of the families and children who attended. The bouncy castle was a hit for kids and parents. It was a great way for kids to burn-off energy and for parents/guardians to relax. 

The BBQ was supplied by the Donnelly Group. They exceeded expectations, as they were able to feed everyone. Free haircuts were offered for kids as a way to have them feeling confident before the start of a new school year. DJ Raul, from Sarah McLachlan School of Music, created an upbeat atmosphere at the event by sharing his passion for music with the kids. Free music lessons from the Saint James Music Academy allowed kids to try out instruments ranging from violins to bases. 

“All the people were smiling and excited. It was a big event.” – Attendee

This Back to School Fair had never been done before by The Salvation Army Boundless Vancouver.

“I liked this kind of method better than compared to last time. This way we get to pick what we like.” – Mother of Student

There was even a prize draw. Each child who attended could enter their name into a raffle. Out of 395 entries, there were 12 winners – one per grade. One child’s parent said, “At first I hesitated to enter my son into the draw because there were so many people, but then my son won! I wasn’t expecting anything.

Overall, the Inaugural Boundless Vancouver Back to School Fair was a huge success. Countless families and children left the gym beaming, and those who participated in the event felt fulfilled. It was a fantastic way to start a new annual event.

We would like to thank all our incredible event partners and donors:

YNOTFORTOTS 

• Donated 160 backpacks and over $3,000 worth of school supplies. 

Glad Tidings Church:

• Donated their space for two full days. 

Donnelly Group:

• Supplied food for the entire event. Graciously fed over 800 people. 

RBC:

• Gave a grant worth $1,000 to help support the event. Supplied over 10 impactful volunteers. 

Project Backpack:

• Donated 150 backpacks for the Backpack Store. 

Herschel:

• Donated 50 backpacks for the Backpack Store.

Kidsbooks:

• Donated over 20 books for our raffle prizes.

Matchstick:

• Donated 3 $15 gift cards and 3, 4 pounds of coffee. 

Army & Navy:

• Donated $100 in gift cards. 

Desmond (Barber):

• Gave fresh-looking haircuts to over 16 kids in 3 hours. 

Efry:

• Donated water for the event.

For more information about the event, please email volunteer@boundlessvancouver.ca. or call 604 872 7676.