May 4th is Yellow Hat day in Airdrie, in support of the Stephens Backpacks Society.

The organization was formed 12 years ago with the goal of helping end family homelessness here at home and all across the country.

Stephens backpacks society offers a variety of support programs to help change the lives of children and families in need in Southern Alberta.

The not for profit organization relies on donations from individuals and businesses to do the work it does.

The support and donations have helped take 30 families permanently off the street and deliver more than 6,000 backpacks in 2018, filled with basic necessities for school, personal hygiene, footwear and toys. Stephen’s backpacks has also donated over 15,000 new pairs of “Back to School” running shoes for children.

The City of Airdrie declared May 4th Yellow Hat Day in honour of the late Jim McPhee, one of the founding members of Stephen’s Backpacks after he passed away in 2017 following a battle with cancer.

Yellow Hat Day is all about ‘lighting up the community’ with the spirit of selflessness and charity.

Nancy McPhee says the second annual Yellow Hat Day family celebration on Saturday, May 4th, is all about helping to further support the initiatives of the Stephen’s Backpacks society.

“We look forward to a great evening and again Airdrie you come through every time for Stephen’s Backpacks, thank you,” said McPhee.

This year is special for McPhee because her son Stephen, the organization’s namesake and the reason the charity was founded is graduating from high school.

“It’s a legacy for us because Stephen has not only run this charity for 12 years, he graduates this year,” she said.

They’ll also be unveiling a brand new division of Stephen’s Backpacks at the event.

The gala takes place from 5:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. at the Applewood Golf Course on Saturday. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.stephensbackpacks.com/

AIR 106.1 is hosting a BBQ in support of Stephen’s Backpacks on Friday, May 3rd at the radio station near the corner of Main Street and Centre Ave in Airdrie.

Yellow hats will be available for purchase and will also get you a hot dog. There will also be face painting for the kids.

Several community members including the Mayor, Councillors and MLA will all be on here in support of the charity BBQ from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

 

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