School may have just finished, but some groups are already looking ahead to September. The goal: suppling families in need with school supplies so no child goes without come fall.
The Langford Staples Business Centre, in partnership with other groups, is raising money for 11 different school parent advisory committees in the Sooke School District this summer. The annual fundraiser, called “Stock the Lockers,” is aiming to raise over $10,000 this year, a jump from the $6,800 raised in 2014.
“The more money we can raise, the better,” said Gerry Denis, general manager of the Langford Staples location. “We know that education is really expensive.”
The first of many fundraisers, going on now, is a raffle for a 64GB iPad Air Gold (worth $739). Tickets will be sold at the Langford Staples and are one for $5 or three for $10. The draw will be held on Sept. 2.
On Aug. 22, the Lions Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the Langford Staples, along with a car wash by donation. The hope for this event is that there will be a lot of foot traffic due to back-to-school shopping, Denis said.
On Sept. 11, in partnership with the Four Points Victoria Gateway Sheraton Hotel, a special parents night out event will see 100 tickets sold at $20 each, with 50 per cent of ticket sales going directly to the schools. A silent auction is also planned for the same night.
“This is going to be a killer event,” said Denis, adding that Staples donated a $700 printer for the silent auction.
Proceeds from Stock the Lockers will be split evenly between the 11 participating elementary and middle schools, he said, adding that he expects to exceed this year’s fundraising goal.
“Next year we’ll get more schools,” he said.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com