Olds Community Helps 190 Students Start School Prepared

The Community Connection Centre (CCC) and its partners helped 190 local students start the school year with backpacks, school supplies, clothing and other essentials.

About 103 students registered for support through the CCC. Strong community contributions from fundraising and supply drives allowed for another 87 backpacks to be prepared, extending support to 190 students in total. Families picked up supplies during the Back 2 School BBQ Bash on August 25 at the Community Lending Shelf.

Community support came in several forms. Through the Student Adoption Program, 46 residents supported 103 students by purchasing the items on their school supply lists.

Additional backpacks were filled through donations, fundraising and community events, including a barbecue hosted by Western Financial Group of Olds and the annual Cram the Cruiser event by the Olds RCMP.

Students also received hygiene packs from Olds Christmas Angels, first-week lunch snack packs from Mountain View Moccasin House and gently used clothing through the Community Lending Shelf. BGC of Olds and Area secured additional grant funding from United Way of Central Alberta for backpacks and school supplies.

“This is what community looks like,” said the CCC’s Heather Dixon. “When residents, businesses and local organizations see a need and respond together, we create a stronger community and help make sure young people have the support they need to succeed.”

The initiative was made possible by BGC of Olds and Area, Youth Empowerment Support Program, Olds RCMP Detachment, Mountain View Moccasin House, Olds Christmas Angels, United Way of Central Alberta, Community Lending Shelf, Accredited Supports to the Community, Western Financial Group Olds, Coldwell Banker Vision Realty and Staples.

Families who still need help with back-to-school essentials can contact the Community Connection Centre.

Residents, businesses and organizations interested in supporting future initiatives can follow the Community Connection Centre on social media or contact the Centre directly.

For More Information

Town of Olds Community Connection Centre
403-556-7480
fcss@olds.ca
4911 51 Avenue
olds.ca/community-connection-centre