The United Way of Bruce Grey backpack program reaches record number of local students.

The United Way of Bruce Grey has supplied more than 2400 backpacks to low income/underprivileged students across Bruce and Grey Counties this year, setting a new high for the program that began in 2005.

Backpacks are provided to students of all ages and backgrounds across Bruce and Grey, from Tobermory to Dundalk, and Kindergarten to Grade 12. Each backpack contains school supplies relevant to the age of the child, with contents ranging from $35 worth of product for Primary Students, to $110 for High School students. Beginning in 2005 through to 2018, over 1.5 million dollars have been saved by parents through the backpack program with 23,604 backpacks delivered.

Backpacks are still available to be picked up at the United Way Office in Owen Sound at 380 9th Street East. A majority of our backpack requests are made through calling 211 or had been requested by local schools, food banks, and agencies such as Children's Aid.

Current totals for 2018 stand at 2,426 backpacks provided to students, with more expected as the school year begins on Tuesday. Thanks to the continued generosity of our community partners and individuals who have contributed to the Backpack Program through donations and campaign events such as 'Stuff The Bus' at Staples in Owen Sound, we were able to provide almost 400 more backpacks than last year. Donations are still needed to cover the extra costs and can be made at the United Way office 380 9th street east Owen Sound or online at www.donatetoday.ca

source: media release, United Way of Bruce Grey