Many volunteers helped during the Prince Albert Grand Council Urban Services back to school event. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Giving Back

PAGC Urban Services help students prepare for school year

Sep 1, 2021 | 4:16 PM

The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Urban Services held their annual back to school event to help children prepare for the new school year.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday families visited the Margo Fournier Centre in Prince Albert to pick up school essentials such as backpacks, pencils, pencil boxes, a packed lunch and a fresh haircut.

Director of PAGC Urban Services Geoff Despins told paNOW they do this every year but missed it in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Self-esteem is huge for these kids, especially when starting school. Looking good, looking clean, looking sharp and that’s how you want to start the school year off,” he said.

Children gathering supplies for their first day of school. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

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Past students who they funded to go to school gave back to the community with their time by giving free haircuts. Once students were done getting a haircut, they could grab a bagged lunch and proceed to get further supplies such as a brand-new backpack.

“We have enough for 500 kids we’re helping out and starting their school year off right,” he added.

The event was meant for all children in the community. The City of P.A., Eagles Nest Youth Ranch, PAGC were all a big help in making this event happen. All the supplies were donated by the PAGC Urban Services. The Prince Albert Police Service were also at the event lending support and the PAGC Health Department was also offering COVID-19 vaccinations.

Many were lined up outside of the Margo Fournier Centre ahead of the back to school event. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

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Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12