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Did you know that the money raised from grocery cards helps fund so many things for students and our school each year? Our amazing, new outdoor space, furniture, equipment, supplies, field trips, and a lot more. The Grocery Card fundraiser is an easy way for you to help!

When you order grocery cards, every dollar you spend goes towards your groceries, so it costs you nothing to help. The Kootenay Co-op and Save-on Foods donate 7% and 6-8% to our school based on the value of cards that our school buys.

How does it work?

• Order grocery cards online using the form at the following link:

https://forms.gle/rGmVSv23cEJS3oRH6

• Grocery cards are ordered/delivered once a month – you pick what months you want (e.g. a monthly recurring order) or you can submit one-time orders as you wish.
• Payment is made by e-transfer. Payments are requested at the end of each month, with grocery cards available for pick-up shortly after.
• Grocery cards are delivered to the school each month – they are for the full amount you paid. You or your child can pick them up at the Wildflower office. Notification is emailed to you when the cards are available.
• Buy your groceries using the cards!

If you need to change or cancel your order, you can do so anytime by emailing: groceries4wildflower@gmail.com

The grocery card fundraiser is administered by the Wildflower Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).

For additional details and Frequently Asked Questions, see the FAQ below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the order, payment, and pickup dates for 2023/2024?

Order and Payment deadlines are around the end of each Month (October through June).

Pickup Dates will be 10 days later, with cards being available for pick-up at the school office. Notifications will be emailed to you when the cards are available.

How will the money raised be used?

The money raised from the grocery cards via Wildflower PAC helps fund a variety of requests made by students, staff and parent-lead initiatives that are all centered around the enrichment of our school within the classroom, the extended learning spaces, outdoor equipment & spaces, and field trips.

Some recent, PAC-funded projects include the new wildscape playground, the recent addition and make-over of our front entrance and round learning space, and the outdoor garden structure over the stage area. PAC supports the middle school in their annual trip to Shakesfest, supporting classroom materials and equipment for the betterment of student learning, and providing funding for outdoor experiences.

Requests are considered on an individual basis by those parents attending regular monthly PAC meetings.  The requests are summarized, questions proposed and answered, then a motion is created and voted on by all those present.  This then provides an outcome of whether the request will be funded. 

What Does PAC Do?

The PAC is composed of Wildflower parents who have volunteered their time in support of the whole school community. The following list defines PACs' role from their constitution, but PAC is really so much more and of vital importance to our school!  This fundraiser helps PAC raise money for the school that would not otherwise be supplied by the school district.

1. To foster a good working relationship and open communication between teachers, staff, administration, and parents of all pupils both during and after school.
2. To organize and coordinate extra-curricular activities for the students/families as mutually agreed upon by PAC and the staff.
3. To earn money for the purpose of items deemed to be a desirable asset to the school, staff, and/or children that are not otherwise supplied by the school district.
4. To help parents understand various programs and policies of the school and to provide input and advice to the staff and administration where beneficial.
5. To act as a liaison between the community and the school.

PAC meets once a month and all parents are welcome to join.

How can I pay?

You can pay by e-transfer, either as a recurring payment, or “manually” each month. We will send reminders when payment is due each month.

Can payment be made by credit card, direct debit (aka CAFT), cheque, cash, etc?

Sorry, but to keep things simpler this year, we are only accepting payments by e-transfer. Hopefully that can work for most families.

Do the grocery cards expire?

No, none of the grocery cards have expiration dates. BC has specific laws prohibiting expiration dates on grocery cards.

Can the grocery cards be used online?

No, the online stores for both Save-On Foods and the Kootenay Co-op only take credit card payments.

Can I use a partial amount of the grocery card?

Yes, you can purchase any amount – the remaining balance will remain on the card. Typically the cashier will write the remaining amount on the card so you know how much is left.  It is also printed on your receipt.

What happens if I lose my grocery cards?

Grocery Store policy is that cards are equivalent to cash and cannot be tracked. Wildflower and PAC are not responsible after the cards are in your or your child’s possession.

Can I return my grocery cards if I find I’m not using them?

We want this program to work well for everyone involved. If you purchased some grocery cards and find that you are not using them, contact groceries4wildflower@gmail.com to discuss options.

What happens if my grocery card doesn't work?

This has not happened to date, but if it does, contact groceries4wildflower@gmail.com and we will assist you.

Will I receive my store reward points (e.g. Air Miles, More Rewards, etc.) if paying by grocery card?

Yes, store reward points are given when making your purchase with the grocery cards (not when the school buys the grocery cards).

What stores can I buy cards from – and are you adding more?

We are currently selling cards from the Kootenay Co-op and Save-On Foods. We may approach other stores in the future.

When do I pay?

We will send an email reminder each month (on a Wednesday near the end of the month), with instructions on how to pay via e-transfer, including a payment deadline. If you miss the deadline, we will not be able to purchase cards for you that month. (We have very little float in our account.)

How and When do I get my cards?

Cards can be picked up at the Wildflower School office beginning on the Wednesday 10 days after the payment deadline. We will email notifications to let you know when they are available for pick-up.

Can someone else pick up my cards for me?

Yes, just let us know when you fill out the order form. You can always add or remove permissions afterwards by emailing groceries4wildflower@gmail.com.

When do I order?

Orders can be received anytime up to the payment deadline (see question 1). If you select the boxes for each month, then you only need to put in one order for the entire year.

How do I change or cancel my order?

If you’d like to change or cancel your monthly orders, simply email us at groceries4wildflower@gmail.com.

Do I have to make an order – can’t I just buy cards when I need them?

Planned / Recurring orders are much simpler for us to manage and rely upon for funding. Also, we need to receive payment in advance of making orders, and know how many of each card to order from each store.

That said, you can make a one-time order at any time for any month. Simply email us at groceries4wildflower@gmail.com.

Will I get a tax receipt?

The Wildflower PAC is not a registered charity so we cannot provide a tax receipt for the money raised with this fundraiser.