A variety show in support of a school lunch program for hungry students in Okotoks will be held this weekend.

The Okotoks United Church is hosting its Kids Helping Kids Variety Show this Saturday, Nov. 4, in support of its Lunch for Kids program.

Brian Olson, Lunch for Kids coordinator, says himself and volunteers have been operating the lunch program for several months.

"We began with 23 students and we're now up to 44. We provide them with a nutritious meal, and the schools identify those kids without lunch on a regular basis, and we simply respond to the schools by providing a lunch."

Each lunch provided by the volunteers consists of a sandwich, fresh fruit, vegetables, and something for a snack.

Olson says the need in Okotoks is much greater than 44 students, which is why they are hosting the variety show.

He says the goal is to build more awareness of the need for school lunches, attracting further volunteers and resources.

The entertainment for the event will be put on entirely by youth talent.

"There will be 20 or so acts, ranging from singers and dancers, to a monologue, to instruments. At intermission as part of the fundraising we will be auctioning off five pies. So the entire thing is designed for families, and we're hopeful that families will respond and come."

Olson hopes the event will help grow the Lunch for Kids program, which has been made possible by generous volunteers.

"This is something that the Okotoks United Church volunteers have really done a great job with. It's just my job to coordinate it but the work is done by around 20 volunteers who are there every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to make these lunches."

Doors open for the event at 6:15 p.m.

Admission for the Kids Helping Kids Variety Show is by donation, attendees can also buy a lunch similar to the ones students receive at the event to support the program.

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