Each year, the number for school backpacks continues to climb as more families struggle to meet the high cost of living. Last year 2025, United Way Bruce Grey distributed 2,300 backpacks to local families, helping to reduce back-to-school financial pressures while giving children the opportunity to begin school feeling prepared and included.
The United Way Backpack Program has become one of the organizationās signature initiatives, helping thousands of students each year start school with dignity and confidence. Each backpack is filled with grade-appropriate school supplies, ensuring students are ready to learn from the very first day of class.
This year, Meridian Credit Union in Port Elgin is pitching in to help students in Bruce and Grey and has been busy filling 96 backpacks with essential school supplies.Ā “We just thought, ‘kits for kids’ was a way to help out families with young students and to give back to the community,” said Erin Aldridge, Branch Manager.Ā “We select a project each year to help the community.Ā Last year, we filled bags with personal hygiene items for the Women’s House, and we are currently also collecting pet food and items for the Food Bank, because families with pets are also struggling.”
Each backpack contains grade-appropriate items such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essential school supplies.The goal is to ensure that no child begins the school year without the tools they need to succeed.
The success of the Backpack Program depends on the generosity of local donors, volunteers, businesses, schools, and community partners. Financial donations and new school supplies are always welcome to help ensure every registered child receives a backpack filled with essential supplies.
The program runs until August 24th and community members wishing to support the program can make a donation or learn more by visiting www.Backpacks4Kids.ca.
Families can register today by calling 211, and additional information about the Backpack Program can be found atĀ www.UnitedWayOfBruceGrey.com.
