Backpacks and school supplies handed out to Edmonton children

PIE Education has been running its back-to-school backpack program for 12 years, and each year has grown to access more families. (CTV News)

A charity is distributing backpacks and school supplies to vulnerable youth in Canada this week, including in Edmonton.

Islamic Relief Canada is responsible for the initiative.

The backpacks contain hand sanitizers, face masks, pencil crayons, glue sticks, scissors and more.

This is the third year for the initiative.

The charity says with the cost of living increasing dramatically, the backpacks are especially needed this year.

“We feel for the students that are going to school and they don’t have what their friends have, so we just want everyone to be comfortable in a school space,” said Edmonton fundraising coordinator Medina Qasqas.

“The new school year is something to be excited about, so we want them to be excited to go back to school.”

The Edmonton event will see about 150 backpacks donated to partner charities who will give them to students who need them most.

Islamic Relief Canada holds charitable events all year. For more information on how to get involved, visit their website.