As summer fades into fall, classrooms fill with the chatter of students reconnecting with friends, stacking new notebooks in backpacks, and dreaming about the year ahead. But for too many families in the Comox Valley, the start of the school year brings not just anticipation — it brings financial pressure and concern.
Amid rising costs of living, putting nutritious lunches and healthy snacks on the table can be especially challenging for struggling households. This is where the Comox Valley Food Bank’s Back to School 50/50 Raffle steps in — offering a fun, community-centric way for neighbors to support local children while also standing a chance to win big.
A Raffle with Purpose
Launched in September 2025, the Back to School 50/50 Raffle is more than a simple fundraiser — it’s a meaningful opportunity to strengthen community bonds and ensure that every child in the Comox Valley enters the school year ready to learn, energized, and well-nourished. For every ticket sold, half of the proceeds go to the Food Bank’s youth nutrition programs, while the other half goes into the jackpot for one lucky winner.
With only 1,500 tickets available, the raffle is both exclusive and exciting, giving participants real odds of winning — all while their contribution directly supports kids in need. Ticket sales run through Friday, October 10th, with the draw taking place at the Comox Valley Food Bank headquarters in Courtenay.
Why This Matters
It’s easy to take food security for granted. Yet, hunger affects far more students than many realize — especially when household budgets are stretched thin by rent, utilities, transportation, and school supplies.
Research shows that children who start their day hungry are more likely to struggle with concentration, memory, and classroom engagement. Even moderate hunger can reduce energy levels and make learning a real challenge. Schools do their best to support students, but they can’t do it alone. That’s where local organizations like the Comox Valley Food Bank step in.
By funding nutritious lunches and snacks, the Back to School 50/50 initiative helps remove one barrier that stands between students and success. It’s not just about filling bellies — it’s about fueling minds. Local children benefit when they can focus on learning instead of worrying about their next meal.
Community Impact: A Collaborative Effort
The Food Bank’s Back to School 50/50 is rooted in community collaboration. It invites residents to take part in a shared effort — transforming individual generosity into collective impact.
Here’s how it works:
- Buy a Ticket: Each raffle ticket gives buyers a chance to snag half of the total jackpot.
- Support Local Youth: The other half of the jackpot helps fund lunches and snacks for school-aged children across the Comox Valley.
- Build Community: Every ticket is a vote for community solidarity, reminding us that supporting neighbors matters.
The initiative also offers a simple, enjoyable way for people who might not usually donate to engage meaningfully with the Food Bank’s mission. Rather than simply writing a check, participants become part of a larger narrative — one that says, “We care about our children and our community.”
Behind the Numbers: Real Change for Real Families
Food banks across Canada are seeing record demand. According to national figures, millions of households struggle to afford healthy food, and many parents often choose between groceries and other basic needs. Community support systems like the Comox Valley Food Bank help bridge that gap — but rising demand means the need for innovative fundraising is greater than ever.
While statistics tell part of the story, the real impact is felt at kitchen tables and school lunchrooms. A nutritious snack might help a child stay alert during math. A healthy lunch can make soccer practice feel less exhausting. These small differences add up, creating better learning outcomes and stronger childhood experiences.
Every ticket sold in the Back to School 50/50 becomes a vital contribution. Whether it’s a few dollars or a big jackpot winner, the collective effort ensures that no child goes hungry in a community that prides itself on caring for one another.
Voices from the Valley
Though specific stories from recipients aren’t always shared publicly for privacy reasons, community members have described the Food Bank as a “lifeline” and a “backstop” in times of need. Supporters have also voiced excitement about the raffle, celebrating how a fun fundraising event brings people together for a shared cause.
In social media posts from the organization, the Food Bank has highlighted both the joy of surprising a winner and the deeper satisfaction of knowing that every ticket sold translates into meals and hunger relief for local families. Anecdotes from past fundraisers reveal that generous contributions like these allow the Food Bank to plan services with confidence and extend reach to more children than ever before.
How You Can Help
The Back to School 50/50 Raffle invites everyone — from individuals to local businesses — to take part:
- Purchase Tickets: Secure your chance to win and support kids in need.
- Spread the Word: Share the raffle with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Volunteer: Offer your time to help with future initiatives.
- Donate Directly: If the raffle isn’t your thing, direct contributions still make a meaningful impact.
Every effort counts.
A Win for Everyone
When you support the Back to School 50/50, you’re not just entering a raffle — you’re joining a community movement. You’re investing in the futures of local children, backing the belief that no student should start the day too hungry to learn.
As the draw date approaches and ticket numbers climb, one thing becomes clear: this fundraiser is about more than a jackpot. It’s about nurturing a generation of learners, strengthening community bonds, and proving that when we work together, we all win.
Good luck — and thank you for making a difference.
