WRPS collect more than 6K items for backpack challenge

Waterloo Regional Police finished their 2023 backpack challenge raising more than 6,000 backpacks and lunch boxes.

The challenge took place throughout the summer with members of the community donating items for families in need.

Thousands of dollars in gift cards and school supplies were also raised by the community.

Everything collected was donated to families and more than 25 organizations for children and youth throughout the region.

“Thank you to every individual, organization, and business who took the time to make a donation and, in doing so, helped to send thousands of children back to school with a smile,” said WRPS Chief Mark Crowell, in a statement. “We are so grateful and proud to be part of this incredible community we all call home.”

The backpack challenge has now been running for six years. Over 16,000 backpacks have been collected during that time.