A special Christmas market was held at Maple Ridge Christian School to bring joy to the students while raising money for those in need.
Students raised $2259.75 for the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society.
On Thursday, Dec. 11, the gymnasium at the school was turned into a store and filled with tables containing everything from jewellery, soaps, games, home decor items, items for cats and dogs, and more.
Jessica Marando, events coordinator at Maple Ridge Christian, explained donations of new and gently used items had been coming in for the market about a month ahead of time from families with children at the school.
Students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, were then invited to shop for their immediate family members – their brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents.
“We figure the high school students can have jobs, so they can go shopping for themselves,” chuckled Marando.
This store was for the younger students, she said.
Every gift at the market was $2, with all the proceeds going to the Christmas Hamper Society.
About 380 students participated in the school’s second annual market.
“Our annual Christmas Market is a meaningful reminder that learning extends beyond the classroom. For our students, being able to buy a meaningful gift for their family members while also knowing the proceeds go to support an important community organization gives us a moment to pause and reflect as a school on how we can bless those in our community,” said school principal Quentin Flokstra.
“This event is also a testament to the community vibe of our school with many generous donations to get the market fully stocked. It is one of many ways Maple Ridge Christian School partners with families to nurture faith, learning, and community through everything that we do,” he added.
Any leftover items at the market went to another school who was holding a similar market for their students.
In addition to the market, other Grades at the school were holding individual drives and fundraisers for people in need in the community, including a food drive and sock drive.
There will be an Open House and High School Showcase on Monday, Jan. 19 at the school at 12140 204B St., Maple Ridge.
For more information go to: https://mrcs.ca/.