School supplies handed out to 1,100 Victoria kids at massive family picnic

With school a few weeks away, more than 1,000 kids in Greater Victoria are now prepared to head back to the classroom.

The 14^th annual Aboriginal Back to School Picnic was held at Government House on Saturday.

Every year multiple aboriginal outreach and support groups team up to make sure kids have what they need for class.

This year Surrounded by Cedar Children and Family Services, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Hulitan Social Services and M’akola Housing Society partnered for the event.

The initiative welcomes any family in need, no questions asked.

“It helps out quite a bit and it helps out with the transition of going back-to-school for the kids,” one parent told CTV News.

Organizers of the event said creating a positive transition for back-to-school is key.

“I think it puts a whole different face to education and we desperately needed that for aboriginal people in this country,” event founder Shelley Johnson said.

The picnic has grown over the years.

The budget for the first event in 2003 was $4,000, ballooning to more than $400,000 this year.

“I never imagined that it would turn into this - ever,” Johnson added.

Similar events will be held across the island in the coming days.

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  Every year multiple aboriginal outreach and support groups team up to make sure kids have what they need for class. August 13, 2016 (CTV Vancouver Island)