Helping CBE Students Start School Ready to Learn

EducationMatters’ Pack Hope Backpack Challenge brought together corporate partners, community supporters and volunteers to fill 2,000 backpacks with supplies for CBE students.

For families facing financial pressures, the cost of back-to-school supplies can be a burden. The Pack Hope campaign helps alleviate this barrier while giving students the confidence of knowing they have what they need to start the school year.

“A backpack filled with school supplies is about so much more than pencils, notebooks and other essentials,” says Stephanie Washbrook, Executive Director, EducationMatters.

“It’s about making sure CBE students walk into their classrooms feeling prepared, confident and included. No child should have to worry whether they have the supplies they need to learn. Our community is helping make sure all Calgary public students can show up feeling ready to succeed.”

Volunteers spent the morning in friendly competition to fill the backpacks that will be delivered to more than 70 CBE schools.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to start the school year on equal footing with their peers,” says Joanne Pitman, Chief Superintendent of Schools.

“We are incredibly grateful to the donors and volunteers who are making a difference for CBE students and families.”

Thank you to the sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped pack hope for CBE students.

The campaign was supported by Suncor Energy, Direct Energy, belairdirect, PC Corp, Whitecap Resources, KSBK Charitable Foundation, Neo Financial, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Graeme Wada Foundation.