The Backpack Program helps school-aged children and youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12 start the school year prepared, confident, and excited to learn. Each summer, the Community Resource Centre provides new backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies that align with local school board requirements.
For many families across Centre Wellington, Wellington North, Minto, and Mapleton, the cost of back-to-school supplies can create real financial strain. This program eases that burden, ensuring that every child, regardless of family income, can begin the school year equipped and ready to succeed.
Beyond the supplies, the Backpack Program serves as an entry point to other Community Outreach and Support Services, connecting families with additional resources such as food support, housing assistance, and financial relief programs. By participating, families build relationships with our Outreach Workers, volunteers, and partner agencies, strengthening their sense of community connection and support.
In 2025, we provided 330 backpacks to local children and youth. Now in its 18th year, the Backpack Program continues to promote inclusion, boost confidence, and help students focus on what matters most - learning and thriving in school.
Access to education is one of the strongest tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. In our region of Wellington County and surrounding townships, many families face financial challenges. In Mapleton 18.2% of children and in Wellington North 16.9% of children live in low‑income households (WDG Public Health, 2024). The Backpack Program ensures that every child in our community, no matter their family’s financial situation, can begin school feeling prepared, confident, and included among their peers.
When students have the tools they need, they can focus on learning, participating, and building friendships. For parents and caregivers, this program eases financial pressure, freeing up limited resources for essentials like food, housing, and other necessities.
Beyond meeting an immediate need, the Backpack Program connects families to a network of local supports through the Community Resource Centre, helping strengthen their stability and sense of belonging. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Wellington County - one where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
support
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We know the Backpack program has helped so many students over the years – let’s keep it growing!
Children are our future and we should help them grow in confidence and strength, not in shame!
Way to go CRC staff & volunteers for their efforts to make this annual program possible! Reaching more kids next year, would be so wonderful for the community!
This program provides students with the opportunity to start fresh with confidence as they enter the school year. It’s truly an amazing program!
I love knowing this program is available in our community to support families and children! This program and the work of the CRC make such a difference. 🙂
The Backpack program is a compassionate and financial strategy to better position students for success in the classroom.