Fair Start for Kids

FAIR START 2020

It’s that time of year again where we begin to plan and raise funds to support greater Victoria families with school supplies and healthy snacks for the fall of 2020.

These past few months have had a lot of unknowns and additional stresses placed on our ‘working poor’ families. Our team has seen a variety of struggles with a loss of work, extra child care costs and closures of recreation centres to name a few. Our role at the Mustard Seed is to support these families and walk along side them as they navigate the fall school year. As we help to plan for fall 2020 we are working with the school districts and provincial governments to make sure we are informed and prepared around COVID19. And what the ‘new’ type of schooling will look like for families. Whatever the circumstances are we will be with there strengthening families and empowering the children. 

The average family spends nearly $400 on school supplies, running shoes and backpacks for their children. 

This year, The Mustard Seed’s Fair Start for Kids will still be happening, with COVID 19 protocols in place. 

If you would like to sponsor a kit, click here.

LOOKING TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR A BACK-TO-SCHOOL-KIT?

Parents/Caregivers can register by telephone starting Monday, June 22. Please call the Mustard Seed Monday-Friday 9AM-3PM at 250-953-1588

You will be given a day and time for pick up.  Pick ups will take place in August. ID required for the parent/caregiver and each registered child when picking up.

You are welcome to leave a message but we need to have a contact phone number to confirm you are registered and schedule your pick up  time.

HOW TO SUPPORT FAIR START

This August, 600 deserving children (Kindergarten to Grade 12) will take home a Fair Start kit–providing school supplies and clothing for the start of classes. Each ‘back-to-school’ kits has an average cost of $50, depending on the child’s age.

Financial support designated for Fair Start is greatly appreciated and helps us with the cost of the kits ordered through Monk Office Supply. Every Fair Start kit is grade and age specific, following supply lists provided within the School District.

Want to donate? The Mustard Seed will also be accepting NEW clothing, NEW shoes (especially for pre/teens), and NEW backpack donations at 625 Queens Ave. 

Thank you to our community Sponsors & donors who make this program possible! 

     

Learn how you can become a corporate Sponsor as part of The Mustard Seed’s “Back to School” Campaign. 

How did Fair Start begin?

Linda Matthews and her late mother Vera Webb started the Fair Start Program in 1998, with an aim of ensuring children a fair start at their school year.  A partnership with The Mustard Seed was established to bridge the connection between this program and the families who will benefit from this support.

Since 1998, Fair Start for Kids has evolved, now serving hundreds of children in greater Victoria; giving them the confidence they need to start a new school year. The Mustard Seed is grateful for the generous support of Monk Office, who helps make this program possible.