Vancouver Police Department and high school students compete in tug of war Monday, May 13, kicking off Inner City Kids Week

What: Media are invited to the kick-off of Inner City Kids Week. To launch the week, which runs May 13–17, close to 100 high school students from across the city will team up with VPD school liaison officers in a hard-fought tug of war contest. VPD Chief Jim Chu will also be on the rope, in a special exhibition match between the VPD's senior officers and high school students.

When: Monday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m., immediately following the VPD's morning news conference.

Where: The north lawn of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Background: Inner City Kids Week is in its tenth year. It was started by CLICK (Contributing to the Lives of Inner City Kids) in 2004 to raise awareness of child poverty in Vancouver and, in turn, raise funds for programs directed at local children living in poverty. This year, CLICK aims to raise $75,000 for programs including safe out-of-school care, breakfast programs, sports and recreation, arts and culture, literacy programs and leadership camps.

The following CLICK board members are available for interviews:

• Catherine Atyeo, President of CLICK
• Mike Evans, CLICK board member and Inner City Community School Coordinator
• Trevor Stokes, teacher in the Streetfront program

As part of the week, on May 16 CLICK will host its annual fundraising reception and silent auction, Definitely Not a Gala, emceed by local man about town Fred Lee at the Creekside Community Centre. The award-winning Templeton Secondary School culinary arts team will cater the reception.