What to know
- Hundreds of volunteers will pack 4,100 backpacks at the CNE Grounds on Monday, Aug. 31, from 7 to 9:30 a.m.
- Each backpack will contain school supplies and hygiene products, with all 4,100 already allocated to children across the GTA.
- Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, community leaders and corporate teams will help pack and distribute the backpacks.
More than 4,000 children across the GTA will receive new backpacks filled with school essentials ahead of the school year, as The Children’s Breakfast Clubs (TCBC) prepares to more than double the size of its annual giveaway in Toronto.
On Monday, Aug. 31, hundreds of volunteers will gather at the CNE Grounds to pack 4,100 backpacks as part of what TCBC is calling Canada’s largest backpack giveaway.
The event will run from 7 to 9:30 a.m. at 210 Princes Blvd. Each backpack will be filled with school supplies and hygiene products to help children begin the school year feeling prepared and supported.
More than double the number of backpacks
TCBC distributed more than 2,000 backpacks last year. In response to what the organization says is an overwhelming need among GTA families, that number has increased to 4,100 this year.
All of the backpacks have already been allocated to children, including students connected to TCBC programs and young people identified by police officers in their communities.
The initiative is meant to ease some of the financial pressure families may experience during the back-to-school season, while ensuring children have the supplies they need when they return to the classroom.
“Every child deserves to begin the school year feeling proud, excited, and supported,” TCBC President Richard Gosling said in a statement. “These backpacks are more than school supplies. They are a reminder to children and families that their community sees them, believes in them and cares about their future.”
Police and community groups are pitching in
Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Robert Johnson will lead hundreds of officers from 11 participating divisions in packing and distributing the backpacks. Inspector Joseph Matys from 14 Division will also take part.
Officers from Peel Regional Police and York Regional Police are also joining the initiative and will help deliver backpacks to families in their respective communities.
They will be joined by members of Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Paramedic Services, as well as corporate teams, community leaders and other supporters.
TCBC has supported children across Southern Ontario for more than 40 years through its breakfast programs, backpack giveaways and other educational and social initiatives.
The organization currently provides more than 10,000 nutritious and culturally reflective meals each week across more than 43 communities.
