A Calgary charity is helping hundreds of local public-school students head back to class with confidence this fall. EducationMatters says 2,000 backpacks have been filled with essential school supplies and will be handed out to students in need as part of the organization’s annual Pack Hope Backpack Challenge. Stephanie Washbrook, executive director at EducationMatters, says the cost of back-to-school supplies can put a significant burden on families facing financial challenges. “A backpack filled with school supplies is about so much more than pencils, notebooks and other essentials – it’s about making sure CBE students walk into their classrooms feeling prepared, confident and included,” she said. “No child should have to worry whether they have the supplies they need to learn.” The backpacks are filled with the help of volunteers and sponsors like Suncor Energy, Direct Energy, belairdirect, PC Corp, Whitecap Resources, KSBK Charitable Foundation, Neo Financial, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Graeme Wada Foundation. “Every student deserves the opportunity to start the school year on equal footing with their peers,” said Joanne Pitman, CBE chief superintendent of schools. “We are incredibly grateful to the donors and volunteers who are making a difference for CBE students and families.”
