August is a time for parents to prepare themselves and their kids for the start of the coming school year.
But while it’s often an exciting period for children, the cost of new clothes can be prohibitive for mom and dad.
Thanks to a new local non-profit, there will be some relief in the form of a back-to-school clothing sale planned for Saturday, Aug. 19 in the gym at Birchland elementary school (1331 Fraser Ave., Port Coquitlam).
“This can be a tough time for some families,” said Craig Savage, a Port Coquitlam resident who is helping organize the event for CityReach Care Society, a Vancouver non-profit. “Parents want to provide new clothes for their children but keeping up with the sizes as their children grow can be expensive."
Savage should know: He’s the father of a nine- and 11-year-olds, and will be scrambling for new clothes for his kids.
The clothes to be sold next week have been collected by members of Vancouver's Broadway Church, which recently took over the former Cornerstone Church on Cameron Street.
“People have been very generous,” said Chelsea Wood, who is the executive director of CityReach Care Society.
The organization recently expanded to PoCo and Wood said used clothing sales will become regular events; CityReach wants to have a food bank, too.
“It’s part of our mission,” she said.
The program has been run by the Broadway Church for local families in need in Vancouver for some time, and Savage said PoCo members wanted to bring it to the suburbs to help families here.
The cost for the clothes is minimal: $3 for one bag, with the bag provided, and $5 for two.
Wood and Savage say funds raised will go back into the program for snacks, equipment and hangers.
“It’s not really a fundraiser,” Savage said.
But for parents wanting to stretch their dollar as fall approaches, the back-to-school clothing sale couldn’t come at a better time.
• For more information, email pococlothing@gmail.com.
