The United Way of Bruce Grey is opening up registration for the 19th annual Backpack Program.
Fundraising Champion Kristy Andre says the program is aimed at providing essential school supplies to students in need.
“We give out backpacks from donations from our community members,” says Andre. “Anyone in Grey County and Bruce County can access the backpack program.”
The United Way says the program has proven to be an invaluable resource for families struggling to provide their children with the necessary school supplies. Over the past 19 years, the program has distributed 32,808 fully stocked backpacks to students in need.
“We have heard that when students are given a fully stocked backpack, they have what they need to succeed for the school year. Their mental health improves knowing that they will not be without and chances of facing unfortunate bullying situations lowers. We’re proud of this program because we know how difficult it is out there with the costs of living continuously rising,” says the organization.
Since the creation of the program, the United Way says it has resulted in parents and guardians saving over $2.2 million in school supply expenses.
“We help everyone that calls in and needs a backpack which is something that we are pretty proud to say. Last year we gave out 2,361 backpacks and it seems like every year we kind of go up and up. It is kind of like a challenge for us to see if we can send out more backpacks than the year before,” says Andre.
The United Way is looking to fundraise $80,000 for the program this year.
For more information on the program, visit the backpack website here or call 211.
