Local charities helping families get school supplies seeing 'unprecedented' demand
With the start of a new school year now weeks away, local charities say more people are turning to them to help provide school supplies than ever before.
United Way's Tools for School campaign aims to equip young pupils with backpacks full of all the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.
Last year, the organization distributed 12,500 backpacks to more than 300 schools and community agencies throughout the capital region.
To date, the non-profit has received 16,000 requests for backpacks, with many more anticipated — an unprecedented level of demand in the 30 years the campaign has run, Suzie Medhurst, United Way program lead, told CTV News Edmonton.
"It's a combination of factors," Medhurst said. "We are still seeing the effects of the pandemic, the cost of living has gone through the roof, and we're seeing a huge increase in the newcomers coming to Canada."
"If you're having to choose between paying a bill or putting groceries in your fridge or pantry," Medhurst added, "(after getting a backpack), we see a lot of people getting fairly emotional because it means a lot."
Normally, United Way's 10,000 square-foot warehouse is chock full of supplies, Medhurst added.
"It's definitely much emptier this year," she said, adding that the campaign only has enough supplies on hand to build 10,000 backpacks.
The increased need for school supplies is also being felt at the Hope Mission. More than 500 backpacks were handed out last year.
"The way that things are going with more families needing support, we wouldn't be surprised if it was more than that," said Lauren Reid, Hope Mission spokesperson.
"It's heartbreaking to think we might not succeed," Medhurst said. "(But) we are still optimistic we will succeed.
"Our community always steps up."
Both organizations are accepting new school supplies and monetary donations. For more information, visit Tools for Schools and the Hope Mission's websites. To get a backpack, call 211.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.