Thanks to a combined effort of community members, the Brantford Back-to-School Carnivals remain part of an effort to help families in the community prepare their children for going back to school.

The carnivals include games, bouncy castles, and many free items to help families with back-to-school preparation.

The effort to put together the carnivals was first made three years ago by the Children’s Aid Society of Brant in partnership with Jacob’s Well Ministries Inc. and 2C Beyond with the goal of helping those in their local community.

“The numbers don’t make it a success,” said Linda Ellis, the main coordinator of the events. “Even if we fill the need of one family, that’s considered a success.”

The carnivals have been running for over three years through the support of local groups and churches in partnership with the City of Brantford.

“It continues to be a great example of what partners in this community can do,” said Brant MPP Dave Levac, who was in attendance at the third carnival.

On Tuesday, Levac presented each of the community partners with a certificate of thanks for their hard work to better their community.

“Partnerships create an energy,” said Levac. “And once that energy starts, everyone wants to be a part of it.”

“At the end of the day, the message we want to send to these kids at the events is, ‘You’re not alone.’”

“This is one of the best outreach programs,” said Andrew Randall, who has been donating the bouncy castle and game services to the event for three years.

“Working together to help make an impact – that’s what we’re doing, and I think it works.”

View the rest of the carnival photos here.