Starfish Backpacks Fundraising at St. George, MR
May 6, 2018, Rev. David Edgerton, rector of St. George, Maple Ridge ran the Vancouver Marathon to raise money for Starfish Backpacks in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on behalf of St Georges. Around $1500 was donated in sponsorship. David completed the run in four and a half hours.
The Spring Fair was held for the first time on a Sunday this year, following the 10am service on May 27. There was great support from church members and the community, and around $1500 was raised in two hours, which was under half the time that David took to compete the marathon! We are grateful to our local Save-on-Foods (240th and Dewdney) and Cobs Bread in Maple Ridge for donating items for the fair.
Combining totals from both events around $3000 was raised.
The Starfish Pack Backpack Program was created in response to teachers hearing the cry of their students. Teachers were heartbroken to hear their students were coming to class Monday morning hungry, reporting that they had not eaten over the weekend.
Meadow Ridge Rotary look after our local scheme and they work in partnership with the Friends in Need Foodbank and many local partners. More information about the backpacks is here.
People at St George’s were captivated by the Starfish Backpack project when the story was shared at an open air Church service at Countryfest – which takes place every year on the last Sunday of July at the Albion Fairgrounds. We decided to dedicate the proceeds of the Fall Fair in 2017 and raised enough funds for 6 backpacks. We are delighted to raise the same total in 2018.
The Starfish name comes from a story that’s been told about starfish on a beach and how we can make a difference. The video is available below.
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Spring Fair