On Friday, July 1, volunteers from Superstore and Stephen's Backpacks helped raise almost $3500 at the annual Canada Day BBQ fundraiser in the Superstore parking lot.

This year the goal was to raise money to send backpacks and new shoes to Fort McMurray, to help children who were affected by the Wildfires in May.

Nancy McPhee, Director of Stephen's Backpacks, said this year was their most successful fundraiser to date.

"People were lined up right until closing. The proceeds are wonderful for Fort McMurray, it's the best BBQ yet; almost $3500, that's a lot of hotdogs!"

McPhee said it takes a community to make an event like this happen, and she was really excited and thankful for all the support Stephen's Backpacks received.

The next major event for Stephen's Backpacks will take place on Monday, July 4, where McPhee and other volunteers will present a family with a surprise $5000 basket of hope.

"I thinks it's going to be quite a shock for them, and it's just going to be wonderful to see a gift of hope bring so much hope when you go through a storm."

Donations will continue to be collected at CIBC and Superstore for children in Fort McMurray.