2020 Backpacks in 2016?

The United Way of Bruce Grey is kicking off its annual Backpack Program with a fundraising BBQ at Belfor Property Restoration 2020 20^th Street East Owen Sound.

Getting off on the right foot from the first day of school to the last day is essential for the educational experiences of all children. The United Way wants to help make this a reality for all students in the Grey Bruce area and giving them the right tools to succeed is crucial. This is emphasized in the cornerstone philosophy of the United Way: “Every child has a backpack – every backpack has a child.” In 2015 over 2000 backpacks were provided to area children.

The United Way backpack campaign provides basic school supplies for low income children in the Grey Bruce area. While providing school supplies helps children succeed academically, many teachers have emphasized how the program has helped remove bullying from the classroom.

The United Way is pleased to announce the hiring of William Huff as this summer’s backpack coordinator. He is looking for volunteers to help fundraise and collect school supplies as well as assemble the fully stocked backpacks. You can contact William at backpacks@unitedwaybg.com.

To meet the needs for the area, our goal is to build 2,020 backpacks and any help and support is appreciated. An extensive amount of supplies is needed to help children in primary school to high school. Among the supplies is over 15,000 pencils, 11,000 pens, over 2,000 pencil cases, binders and rules among many others.

Every year, the United Way hosts “Stuff the Bus” drives in partnerships with local businesses where members of the community can donate to help reach our goal.

If people need to access this program, they can register through 211.

For more information on the Backpack Program please contact William Huff at 519 376 1560

For more information on the United Way please contact Francesca at 519 376 1560