PTECFF Supports New KidsZone During Friday Night of Alumni Weekend

Photography provided by Pender Times

The Pender-Thurston Education and Community Foundation Fund (PTECFF) is proud to announce its recent grant to the Volunteers Improving Pender (VIP) group to support a new family-friendly, KidsZone event during Pender’s Friday night of their annual Alumni Weekend celebrations.

With the help of this grant and other community sponsors, VIP was able to introduce a KidsZone on Friday evening — a new addition to the weekend’s festivities that brought joy and excitement to the youngest members of the community. The carnival featured classic games, rides, and inflatables, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for families and children.

Photography provided by Pender Times

“This was a vision I’ve had for some time,” said Candice Gardea, member of the VIP group. “As a child, I have very fond memories of the Alumni Weekend carnival on Main Street. I wanted to bring back that experience — not just for nostalgia, but to give today’s children the same magical memories. We live in a flourishing community, and Alumni Weekend is a perfect time to celebrate and remember all the great things happening here.”

This year marked the first KidsZone during Alumni Weekend, and the response from families and community members was overwhelmingly positive. VIP hopes to expand the event in the coming years with additional sponsors, and children’s activities.

The Pender-Thurston Education and Community Foundation Fund is honored to support community-led efforts like this that enrich local traditions, build stronger connections, and make Pender a place where are community members are proud to call home.

To learn more about grant opportunities, charitable giving, or how you can support community projects through PTECFF, please visit www.PTECFF.org.