After a successful campaign in 2018, Waterloo Regional Police’s Backpack Challenge has returned.
Local residents are encouraged to donate new backpacks, lunch bags, school supplies or gift cards. which will be given to children in need so they can start the school year off on the right foot.
Last year, 1,400 backpacks, $4,500 in gift cards, and thousands of school supplies were collected as part of the challenge.
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Waterloo police officers then transported the items to the Family & Children’s Services Foundation, and other youth organizations in Waterloo Region for distribution.
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“We were extremely pleased with the outpouring of support from the community last year,” said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police. “Delivering the items to children and seeing the smiles on their faces was priceless. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part last year and are hopeful we can do even better this year to ensure every child in Waterloo Region goes back to school feeling confident, excited, and proud.”
People can donate the backpacks between now and August 21 at police headquarters or at any police division.
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