As the back-to-school season kicks off, families across the region are preparing for one of the busiest—and often most expensive—times of the year.
For many, the cost of school supplies can be a real burden. That’s why local schools, businesses, and community members are stepping up once again to ensure every student starts the year with the tools they need to succeed.
Join Us Live: Pack a Backpack school supply drive
Sawatzky’s Furniture & Appliance, powered by LG, is teaming up with CFAM Radio 950, Country 88, The Eagle and PembinaValleyOnline for the annual Pack a Backpack School Supply Drive happening Wednesday and Thursday at the Winkler Superstore.
We’ll be broadcasting live throughout both days, collecting cash and school supply donations to directly support students in both the Western and Garden Valley school divisions.
"We want to make sure that every kid who comes to school is equipped and ready to learn," said Dan Ward, Superintendent for Garden Valley School Division (GVSD).
What’s needed?
While schools in GVSD purchase many supplies in bulk to reduce costs and maintain equality in classrooms, day-to-day essentials are always in demand.
These include:
Notebooks and paper
Pencils, pens, and markers
Erasers and rulers
Pencil cases and backpacks
Lunch kits or reusable containers
Donations of new runners and water bottles also aren't unheard of, along with monetary contributions that allow schools to fill in the gaps throughout the year.
A stigma-free, equity-focused initiative
One of the program’s key goals is to make sure students never feel singled out or embarrassed if they arrive without supplies. Teachers prepare classrooms in advance, and all supplies are distributed equally so every child walks in ready to learn, with dignity and confidence.
"Most of our schools, especially our K to 8 schools, ask for a relatively modest fee from parents to cover supplies," added Ward. "But we do know that a lot of our families have two, three, four children and that does add up. We know from our experience that, especially this time of year, that it is really expensive to get kids ready for school. That not all of our families are in a position to cover those fees. And so, for many, many years, we have covered off on those costs. Teachers buy in bulk, and we use some of our school budget dollars for that. And of course, that sometimes puts a little bit of pressure on other areas that teachers need to attend to in terms of purchasing curricular supplies. So, this drive is really helpful."
In addition, all of the supplies are the same, further reducing any stigma around who may have 'better' supplies than others.
"It's similar to our food nutrition program," added GVSD Board Chair, Leah Klassen. "It's stigma free there as well. Any child, teacher, any staff member can go and grab something to eat. School supplies would be similar to that. That way you are ready to learn, and you don't have to worry about whether you have something different than anybody else."
A community effort
Ward added, the schools' parents and parent advisory councils are also incredibly supportive, noting even before this drive, the parent councils worked hard to ensure that dollars were there for the school to access if children were in need of supplies.
"And that will continue with this wonderful effort."
Back-to-school reminders
As students return next week, drivers are reminded that school zones and bus routes will be active again starting Wednesday. Please slow down, watch for children crossing, and keep our roads safe.
How you can help:
Stop by the Winkler Superstore this Wednesday or Thursday, say hello and drop off a donation. Whether it’s a pack of pencils or a few dollars, every bit helps support local kids. Click here for more information.
Let’s pack those backpacks and give every student the fresh start they deserve!
With files from Alexander Peters