“Local School Boards in London, Ont., Team Up to Provide Back-to-School Essentials for Families in Need”
As the new school year approaches, local school boards and community partners in London, Ont., are joining forces once again to support families in affording back-to-school essentials for their young learners. The Best First Day backpack drive, a longstanding community-wide initiative, is working in partnership with the Thames Valley Education Foundation, United Way Elgin Middlesex, and The Salvation Army London Community and Family Services to provide backpacks and school supplies to students in need. This year’s drive is more important than ever, as Brittany Webb, the executive director of the Foundation, explains that they have already packed 3,200 backpacks for children who may not have the necessary funds for supplies. The goal is to ensure that every child has the best first day possible.
Helping Students Start Strong
Over the past 20 years, the Best First Day backpack drive has filled over 3,000 backpacks with school supplies and distributed them to students in the Thames Valley District School Board, London District Catholic School Board, and Indigenous communities. This year, the goal is to pack over 3,500 backpacks for students in London, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford counties. Donations will continue to be accepted until the end of the week. The support for this initiative is incredible, with individuals, corporations, and labor partners all contributing generously to help children in need. Many families also take the opportunity to stuff an extra backpack for a child who may not have access to these essentials.
Meeting the Increasing Need
Kelly Ziegner, the president and CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex, acknowledges the rising cost of basic necessities and the impact of economic inflation. She anticipates an increased need for the Best First Day drive due to these factors. Families are struggling to make ends meet, and additional programs like this one help relieve some of the financial burden. The drive aims to ensure that families can still provide food for their children while also giving them a full backpack to start their first day of school on the right foot.
Growing Demand for Emergency Support
Brittany Webb highlights the growing need for emergency support within the school board. The Thames Valley Education Foundation has seen a significant increase in requests for basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. In just the past two years, these requests to the Foundation’s Caring Fund have more than doubled. Webb stresses the importance of these resources, mentioning that some children do not come to school if they cannot afford to bring their own lunch. Hunger is a significant issue, with approximately 62% of the support provided through the Caring Fund dedicated to addressing this need.
Ensuring Equal Opportunities for All Students
Every child deserves the same opportunities for success within the Thames Valley school district. The Best First Day backpack drive aims to ensure that every student has access to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all the necessary resources to succeed academically. Brittany Webb emphasizes the importance of providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
How Families Can Access Support
Families, students, and guardians interested in receiving a backpack from the Best First Day drive are encouraged to contact their school principal to make a request. More information about the initiative can be found at bestfirstday.ca.
As the new school year begins, it is crucial that we come together as a community to support families in need. By ensuring that every child has the necessary supplies for a successful start, we are investing in their future and promoting equal opportunities. Let’s work together to make this the best first day for every student.
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