This school year may just be wrapping up, but behind the scenes, we have already been working to prepare for back to school in September. Last week more than 40 volunteers from Algoma Central Corporation, Beatties and Ontario Elementary Catholic Teachers Association joined United Way staff on the showroom floor at Beatties to assemble 2,000 backpacks.
Every child – regardless of their background, family income or neighbourhood – deserves the opportunity to thrive at school, both in the classroom and on the playground.
While many children eagerly look forward to that first day of school, others face a significant obstacle: a lack of essential supplies. Families experiencing poverty in our community struggle to cover their basic expenses, let alone the additional pressure of purchasing tools for their children’s educational success. The Backpacks for Kids program provides backpacks filled with the necessary supplies to children in need across the region, positively impacting their educational journey.
The program is one of United Way’s special initiatives and falls outside of regular program investments, and therefore relies solely on sponsors to make it happen. Without their support, our community partners wouldn’t have received the over 50,000 backpacks provided since the inception of Backpacks for Kids. Local agencies picked up the finished backpacks the same day, but the majority were transported by Beatties to school board offices for distribution.
When a student is armed with the right tools to succeed, they feel prepared to take on new learning challenges with confidence.
“We work closely with our local school boards to identify schools with the highest needs,” said Frances Hallworth, United Way Niagara CEO. “Principals know the families best, and they can request the number of backpacks they anticipate they will need the following year. Not all families are involved with a local social service agency, so this way, no children are missed.”
Every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn and thrive, but without the appropriate tools, children face additional barriers holding them back in their ability to fully participate. The Backpacks for Kids program helps level the playing field.
“So much of what a student is able to achieve begins with a positive mindset,” said Lisa Scheer, Principal at James Morden Public School. “When a student is armed with the right tools to succeed, they feel prepared to take on new learning challenges with confidence. Thanks to the United Way’s backpack program, students at James Morden benefit from donations of backpacks and school supplies to get their school year started on the right foot. Support from the United Way reminds our students what it means to have a Strong HEART, a Strong MIND, and a Strong COMMUNITY!”
Investing in a child’s education is an investment in our future. Through the Backpacks for Kids program, we are supporting children with the tools they need to excel academically, boost confidence and support the development of essential life skills. Every child – regardless of their background, family income or neighbourhood – deserves the opportunity to thrive at school, both in the classroom and on the playground.
Together with our generous sponsors, we are helping to create a brighter future for children and the communities they live in.
Special Thank You to the 2023 Backpacks for Kids Sponsors:
Beatties
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1263
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1287
ETFO Niagara Occasional Teachers’ Local
Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines
Lions Club of Merritton
Niagara Region Police Association
Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association – Niagara Elementary Unit
Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation District 22
Rankin Construction Inc.
Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise
