What started as an idea five years ago by Lord Byng Elementary parent Hien Tran has turned into a popular fundraiser that Richmondites can’t seem to get enough of.
In July 2012, Byng PAC launched its iconic Steveston t-shirts, which featured noted street signs in Steveston (Moncton, Chatham, Railway, Britannia, One Road, Georgia, Bayview, Steveston) which it has sold on Canada Day at the Salmon Festival, and subsequent summer farmers’ markets.
Stock eventually depleted years later, which included a couple more small print runs. But due to the community’s constant enquiries to bring the shirts back, the school is ready to re-launch again this Canada Day.
The PAC, which I’m the fundraising chair for, decided to do a large t-shirt print run in anticipation of Canada Day, select summer markets and other events. Several Byng parents and children will be selling the Steveston swag on Canada Day at the corner of No. 1 Road and Moncton Street outside of Laara’s Vacuums. Some of these same Byng students were at the markets five years ago so they literally grew up with the fundraiser.
Having sold the Steveston shirts from the beginning, I can tell you this is a unique fundraiser which surprisingly turned into a sentimental town favourite.
Everyone in Richmond has embraced the shirts with such heart. We’ve sold our shirts and tote bags to people who not only live in Steveston and Richmond but beyond.
People purchased our Steveston shirts and sent them to family, friends and neighbours who moved away from Steveston or graduated from Lord Byng. The shirts have made their way around the world.
The PAC tries to track the shirts and, to date, the Steveston swag has been sent to every province across Canada, Mexico, the U.S. and around the world.
The Steveston shirts come in ladies, men’s, children’s and unisex in various styles and colours. Regular adult shirts retail for $25 and children’s/youth shirts are $20 and tote bags for $18, with all proceeds going back to the Byng PAC.
Janet Yau-Nitta is Byng elementary’s PAC fundraising chair
