Eight dollars may not seem like much, but for nine-year-old Izack Manluyang of Saanich, it is his life savings. He has decided to give it all to help other children.
Izack has been saving money by collecting refundable recyclables with his mother, Bernie Manluyang. Their original plan was to use the funds to buy a ticket to the Philippines to visit relatives Izack has not met.
But when Izack learned that more than 50 children were on the waiting list for Mustard Seed’s Fair Start for Kids program, he had a new idea.
“He told me, ‘We have to help these kids,’” said his mother. She added that seeing her son’s compassion was deeply touching.
Mustard Seed’s Fair Start for Kids program supports families in the Capital Regional District who struggle with back-to-school costs.
Thanks to donations and fundraising, 600 children will receive a pack filled with essentials. Each pack includes a backpack, running shoes, snacks, and age-appropriate stationery.
This year, all 600 spots filled within two weeks of registration opening in May. Last year, registration took more than a month to reach capacity.
“It was a remarkable surge,” said Treska Watson, the program’s executive director.
The rise in demand for the Fair Start program reflects a wider trend. Watson notes that other Mustard Seed programs, including its food bank, are also under increasing pressure.
“Families are feeling the financial squeeze,” she said. “We hear from them constantly about the rising cost of living and groceries in Victoria. Back-to-school time can be very expensive, especially for households with multiple children.”
Children under 18 make up roughly a quarter of the food bank’s clients. Watson says this shows that food insecurity is affecting young people the most.
“More kids than ever are hungry,” she said.
Izack and his mother know the value of Mustard Seed’s programs.
After moving to Greater Victoria in 2019, Bernie Manluyang faced medical challenges that limited her work. As a single parent with no family nearby, she relied on Mustard Seed for food hampers during the pandemic. Later, she joined the Fair Start program for her son.
“I am beyond grateful,” she said. “It’s not just about saving money. It’s the relief and support. When finances are tight, everything else feels heavier. This helps lighten the load.”
Originally from the Philippines, Manluyang says there can be a stigma around asking for help. She hopes sharing her experience will encourage others from all backgrounds to seek support when needed.
“There’s nothing to be ashamed of,” she said. “Even if you have worked hard all your life, you can find yourself in unexpected situations.”
Watson agrees, noting that Mustard Seed now serves people from every walk of life.
“It could be your neighbour, your friend, your colleague, or even your child’s teacher. There is no typical client anymore,” she said.
This year, Mustard Seed celebrates 50 years in the community. Watson says the goal remains the same: meet needs while fostering hope, faith, and love.
“We want people to feel hopeful, and we want kids to feel excited about their school year. We want everyone who comes through our doors to see hope for the time ahead,” she said.
At the Fair Start event, that hope is clear. Children beam with pride wearing new shoes and carrying fresh school supplies. Thanks to Izack’s $8 donation and the generosity of others, more kids will get the fresh start they deserve.
