WRPS extend backpack challenge as demand continues to grow

It won’t be long until kids are back in class but for a growing number of local families, it’s a struggle to buy backpacks and other school supplies.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) is in the midst of its 8th annual Backpack Challenge and there’s still time to help as the initiative has been extended until the end of August.

It isn’t just backpacks that are being collected but also lunchbags, pencil cases, writing tools, and cash and gift cards that can be used to buy supplies.

Police spokesperson Cherri Greeno said a lot of work goes into the initiative by the volunteers who collect the items, organize them, and make sure they’re distributed by September.

She says it takes a village to pull it all off.

“WRPS may run this program, but it’s really the community that makes it happen,” Greeno said. “Over the years, we’ve just seen the generosity from the community skyrocket each year, and we’re so grateful to be part of that.”

Businesses, organizations, sports teams, and other groups come together to gather and drop off donations. Over the past seven years, close to 23,000 backpacks have been collected.

The initiative is becoming more vital than ever before, according to Greeno, as she says they continue to see more and more families asking for a helping hand.

“The need seems to grow every year. It is a hardship. Anyone who has children can attest to the fact that when you go back to school shopping, it can get pretty pricey,” explained Greeno.

Donations can be dropped off at WRPS divisions and headquarters, or you can make special arrangements by emailing backpacks@wrps.on.ca.