Anishnabeg Outreach calls for more donations for back-to-school initiative
Posted Aug 15, 2023 11:51:54 AM.
Last Updated Aug 15, 2023 05:24:28 PM.
If you have some extra school supplies, consider sparing some for Indigenous youth.
Anishnabeg Outreach (AO) supports about 450 local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families (roughly 1500 people) through their Spirit Bundle program. CEO Stephen Jackson told CityNews that the back-to-school initiative is an extension of the Spirit Bundles.
He said they have gathered enough donations to distribute supplies to 300 children, but they need to provide to 200 more.
“I think that belonging is just so incredibly important,” said Jackson. “I guess we’re probably in need of lunch bags, reusable water bottles as well as things like pencils, pens, markers, crayons, pencil cases, lunchboxes, binders, pads of paper, rulers, highlighters, the backpacks themselves, those types of things. Having the tools that everyone else has helps with social integration and belonging.”
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Jackson added that they are very thankful for the number of people who are willing to support Indigenous families.
“Reconciliation doesn’t have to be huge,” said Jackson. “Sometimes it can be an act of kindness like a backpack or a lunch bag so kids can participate in sports or whatever else it is.”
Anyone who would like to help can drop off donated items Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to their Kitchener office at 236 Woodhaven Road.
You can learn more about how to donate or help out with AO’s many other programs here.
