Kickback 003: The Last Taste of Summer

Rachel Tait

The third annual Kickback event is being hosted by the Student Union Society (SUS) on Sept. 21 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the Abbotsford campus Green. Students can expect food trucks, games, music, a DJ, free giveaways, and more. Kickback 003: the Last Taste of Summer, is a free event that students need to register for to access the free food and beer garden. Several UFV departments will also be participating in the event with different activities and prizes. Ashley McDougall, SUS president, sat down with The Cascade to discuss more about Kickback 003.

“One of the big points of feedback we got from previous Kickback events is that there wasn't enough free food,” said McDougall. So that's been one of our biggest improvements this year. We've really increased the amount of food vouchers we're going to be giving out.”

SUS will be handing out more than 600 food vouchers to students during Kickback 003, and they have expanded on their drink options to include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks this year. Additionally, SUS will be handing out 1,600 free items of merchandise that includes T-shirts, hats, and tote bags designed by their team.

“There are going to be a lot of departments having a presence at Kickback, which is great because I think it's also a great point to show off departments that can help students, especially at the beginning of the term.”

SUS will be collaborating with the UFV Library, Centre for Accessibility, the Centre for Experiential and Career Education, the International Alumni Association, the Office of Sustainability, Advising, Campus Living Student Experience Office, and IT. McDougall also hinted that the departments will be giving out various prizes to students.

McDougall anticipates a bigger turnout for this year’s event. “I'm also hoping to see students make connections that they will have throughout the year. One of my favorite things about Kickback is [that] a lot of the time that's where students meet some of their good friends for the year on campus.”

Photography by SUS

Some of the vendors and brands that SUS is collaborating with include Brewhall, Trading Post, and Cinco Drink Co. for the beer garden. There will also be shawarma, Juicy Green Express, Little oOties Mini Donuts and Crema Ice Cream.

McDougall wants to emphasize to students that Kickback “is completely open for everyone. We encourage all students to come to this event. I think the biggest goal is just being super inclusive and welcoming, and also allowing students to build connections.”

To learn more about Kickback 003, please visit ufvsus.ca/kickback and follow The Cascade for more coverage on the event.