Backpack Program
“Every child has a backpack – every backpack has a child.”
This is the cornerstone philosophy behind the United Way’s annual Backpack Program. United Way Bruce Grey wants getting an education to be a positive experience for all children, regardless of their economic situation. By providing school supplies to low-income children, we are providing the tools needed to start off the year on the right foot.
The Backpack Program provides a backpack and school supplies to children (kindergarten through high school) of low-income families in Bruce and Grey Counties.
How does it work?
The United Way creates backpacks on two factors; gender and grade level.
Four grade levels of backpacks are created to ensure that the right supplies are provided for the right age group.
How does the United Way find the children?
The United Way creates the list of children through the following two approaches – Community (families apply) and local agencies.
Community
The community list is created directly by the families themselves. Either through word of mouth or the media, families learn of the program and call 211 to register.
Families are directed to call 211 to register as individuals for a backpack as 211 can also direct them to other services in the region. Utilizing the 211 services also frees up United Way staff to focus on fulfilling needs.
With the tremendous support from the communities of Bruce and Grey Counties the United Way has always met the needs of all the children.
In addition to providing the intake for the Backpack Program, 211 provides additional information and referrals to other agencies and organizations that the families can access for support.
Local Agencies
Local agencies review their client lists and send the United Way a bulk request for supplies. The agencies provide numbers based on gender and grade level.
An agency caseworker might request 8 primary boys, 4 primary girls, 5 intermediate boys, and 7 intermediate girls, etc. This approach enables the United Way to plan for large requests and creates a distribution system to get the backpacks to the children.
Local schools and agencies can place their order through this link
The United Way is committed to respecting the individual’s privacy with this program.
Making A Difference
In 2024, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our Backpack Program, and we’re proud to have packed a total of 37,964 backpacks to date! This year alone, with the incredible support of our donors, we distributed 2,686 backpacks to children across Bruce and Grey Counties.
As product and living costs continue to rise, we anticipate a similar or even greater need in 2025. Your financial support of our Backpack Program can make a life-changing difference for families facing challenges. Thank you for helping us continue this essential work!
There are two ways that you can help make our program a success and at the same time touch the lives of children in need.
1. You may give a financial gift.
When you donate to our Backpack Program, your gift will go to work immediately and will ensure that children start the new school year off on the right foot with all the supplies they need. With your support, all funds will stay local and lives will be changed.
We would certainly appreciate your support at this time. To donate to the program through Canada Helps, please visit www.DonateToday.ca or give us a call at 519-376-1560. Donations may also be mailed to us at United Way of Bruce Grey, 380 9th Street East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 1P1. Thank you in advance for your financial gift.
2. You may donate school supplies.
