An Abbotsford Facebook group has raised $10,000 for the Starfish Pack program.
WTF Abbotsford held a Doing Good in the Hood fundraiser in mid-September, collecting funds for the program as well as holding a food drive for the Archway Food Bank.
The Starfish Pack program provides food-filled backpacks for kids to take home each weekend.
Group administrator Shannon Grace got things started by approaching Skully White, who runs Lully's Food Experience out of the Canadian Tire parking lot, to ask about hanging a poster for the fundraiser.
White was immediately on board and decided to sponsor one child for a year – a donation of $700.
He then challenged other local businesses to match his donation. Those who met the challenge were New Leaf Childcare, Greek Islands Restaurant, Sumas Plumbing, Gift of Trading, David Corrie Real Estate, Budget Brake and Muffler, Sumas Auto Glass and Panther Glass.
The WTF admin team held the food drive on the last day of the fundraiser, collecting 10 boxes of food.
Grace said the event went so well that WTF Abbotsford will do another fundraiser next August for the Starfish Pack program and hopes to double the amount raised.
The program currently has 700 kids participating. Visit starfishpack.com for more information.
Those wanting to participate in the WTF Abbotsford fundraiser or who want more information can email wtfabbydonate@gmail.com.
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