BACKPACK CAMPAIGN

Back-to-School Supplies Available August 14th Backpacks and school supplies will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 from 10 am to 8 pm at Crossroads United Church, 690 Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard. Child identification of any type is required. The Backpack Campaign, initiated by the Social Issues Networking Group (S.I.N.G) -- a coalition dedicated to improving the social and economic well-being of families – was created 18 years ago in response to the needs of families in the Kingston community. 2019 marks the 19th anniversary of the campaign that will be distributing free backpacks and other school supplies to students in all grades again this year. Nearly 1000 students benefitted from this generously supported program in 2018, and it’s hoped that at least as many students will be served again this year. Funds are raised throughout the year through generous donations from businesses, agencies, and supportive individuals. The campaign is maintained by seasoned and new volunteers who will be on-hand to guide students through the process of selecting the supplies they will need for school. Local politicians also have traditionally participated to distribute supplies. Returning this year are Kingston & the Islands MP Mark Gerretsen, City of Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson, and Councillor Bridget Doherty (Portsmouth). Joining them are Councillor Robert Kiley (Trillium) and federal candidate for the Peoples Party of Canada, Andy Brooke. They will be available to speak to the media between 10:00 am and 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 14th. After the August holiday, parents start to think about their children’s return to school with happy anticipation. For many families in the Kingston area, however, this anticipation is darkened by the financial burden of the First Day of School. Global News reported in 2017 that Canadian parents expected to pay $883 per family on back-to-school supplies and fashion in 2018, $325 more than they spent on holiday gifts, according to a survey. Over half of parents said that shopping in preparation for the first day of school puts a strain on household finances, with nearly 40 per cent reporting that it takes months for them to pay off the bill. For parents working low-wage jobs or struggling on social assistance when costs of basic necessities such as food, energy, and housing continue to increase significantly, the stress of trying to do right by their children and measure up to other families simply compounds the anxiety they already experience by living in poverty. Arriving with a new backpack and school supplies, their children fit in more easily with their peers and secure a good start at school. Contact: Tanis Fairley at tfairley@cogeco.ca; phone 613-544-2865