Students and families were treated to a free barbecue, outdoor games, and back-to-school supplies on Sunday afternoon compliments of the Greater Life Community Church who currently share the property on the 10th Sideroad with the Bradford Baptist Church.
This is the church’s fifth year giving away free backpacks geared to students in Junior Kindergarten all the way up to Grade 12 and ranged in themes such as outer space, rainbows and comic book heroes.
The bags were filled with items such as notebooks, pencils/pens (or crayons, depending on the age), binders, masks, and lunch totes which were donated by Staples in Newmarket.
“We tried to get different stuff for the different age groups,” noted Pastor Eaton Grant with Greater Life Community Church. “Staples has partnered with us for several years now.”
In previous years, the church held backpack giveaways at other locations such as Kidergy Indoor Playground, and inside the BWG Library where the church used to hold its services pre-COVID.
Due to the pandemic, Pastor Grant said they did not do the giveaway last year as they were unsure if schools were re-opening, on top of losing their space at the Library due to pandemic-closures.
“It was tricky getting the word out,” Grant said about this year’s giveaway. “Normally, we do it the weekend right after Carrotfest.”
The church also hosted a delicious barbecue for families and kids, serving free hot dogs and hamburgers compliments of Bradford Zerhs, and donations from the local Sobey’s and No Frills. Drinks and fruit were also provided free of charge.
On the lawn of the Bradford Baptist Church were many fun games for kids such as a giant Jenga, bean bag toss, hula hooping, bocci ball, and of course, bubble wands.
The Greater Life Community Church has been hosting its Sunday services at noon, right after the Baptist Church’s regular morning service, and have been at their location since November of 2020.
“Nobody wanted to rent (to us) during the pandemic,” shared Pastor Grant. “So, I reached out to the Pastor here (Tim Walker). He spoke to his board and it wasn’t a problem.”
To learn more about Greater Life Community Church, visit their Facebook page.
