The return to school is an exciting but financially challenging time for many families in the Cochrane area.
As the back-to-school season approaches, the Cochrane and Area Family Resource Network (FRN) is once again teaming up with Staples and the Cochrane Kiwanis Club to help local families through its long-running Backpack Program.
For more than 15 years, the local initiative, created by Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), has provided essential school supplies in an age-appropriate backpack to students from kindergarten through Grade 12. While demand fluctuates each year, organizers say the need remains strong.
“Last year we distributed 156 backpacks, and the year before we were just under the 150 mark. We’re prepared to support between 200 and 250 students again this year,” said Kim Krawec, Cochrane FCSS manager. “It’s one of those programs that continues to grow as our population increases and families face rising costs.”
Krawec said equipping students with backpacks and supplies helps remove a significant barrier for families concerned they can’t provide their children with all the resources they need for the first day of classes.
“September is one of the hardest months for families because their children are heading back to class,” she said. “There’s the cost of registration, busing fees, school supplies and making sure your children have shoes — all the things they need for the first day of school. It’s really hard, so this is one way we can help alleviate some of those financial challenges.”
“This program wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our local partners and donors,” said Krawec. “We’re incredibly grateful to Staples, the Kiwanis Club of Cochrane, and all who continue to support this initiative.”
The local Kiwanis, an international service club that aims to serve the children of the world, also provides computers and graphing calculators where possible.
Ron Gosselin of the Kiwanis Club says they became involved with the program about five years ago, initially providing gift certificates to supplement the basic backpack supplies.
"A couple of years ago, somebody told us one of the problems kids have is the cost of graphing calculators. These puppies are very expensive, so we started doing a combination of gift cards and calculators. We've now moved completely away from gift cards and are providing calculators and computers."
He says the cost of a basic $400 computer is out of reach for some families, and they wanted to help fill that gap as much as possible within their $5,000 budget.
To be eligible, families must show that their child is enrolled in a Cochrane or West Rocky View County school and provide proof of financial need, such as a Level 1 Connect Card or a GST notice of assessment listing dependent children. Those without documentation can contact the FRN to book an appointment with a resource worker for support.
Backpacks will be available starting Aug. 11 from the Family Resource Network office.
Monetary donations to assist with the program can be made at either the FRN, 127 1st Ave. W., or the local Staples, located at 20–40 Quarry St. E.