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Volunteers got their hands busy filling nearly 1,500 backpacks Tuesday with school supplies for children in need — but organizers behind the program hope to get additional packs and supplies for 200 children who remain on a waiting list.
The 1,440 packs were assembled at Westgate Shopping Centre by dozens of employees from Bell Canada, Giant Tiger and the Fund for a New Generation charity as well as individual volunteers.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be able to help, but it also breaks our hearts when we see there’s still a waiting list,” said Cindy Smith of the Caring and Sharing Exchange, the charity that each year distributes packs with grade-appropriate supplies.
“Going back to school is hard to begin with, but not being on a level playing field with the other kids can make it harder and lead to self-esteem and other issues,” Smith explained.
Eleven-year-old volunteer Jenna Newell said she was happy to help out her peers and encouraged people to donate.
“I like helping people. I think kids who can’t afford it will be very excited to get these backpacks, they’re filled with very cool stuff,” Jenna said.
Organizers say each filled pack is valued at about $40.
Gaby Reyes throws a finished backpack onto a stack during the Caring and Sharing Exchange event. Organizers hope to secure donations for another 200 packs before school starts.
The waiting list was trimmed to 200 from 500 after an appeal for donations a week ago, but Smith said they’re still hoping to close the gap before school starts.
To donate money or find locations to drop off new backpacks and supplies, go to caringandsharing.ca or call 613-226-6436.
avoski@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/anaisvoski
查看原文...
The 1,440 packs were assembled at Westgate Shopping Centre by dozens of employees from Bell Canada, Giant Tiger and the Fund for a New Generation charity as well as individual volunteers.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be able to help, but it also breaks our hearts when we see there’s still a waiting list,” said Cindy Smith of the Caring and Sharing Exchange, the charity that each year distributes packs with grade-appropriate supplies.
“Going back to school is hard to begin with, but not being on a level playing field with the other kids can make it harder and lead to self-esteem and other issues,” Smith explained.
Eleven-year-old volunteer Jenna Newell said she was happy to help out her peers and encouraged people to donate.
“I like helping people. I think kids who can’t afford it will be very excited to get these backpacks, they’re filled with very cool stuff,” Jenna said.
Organizers say each filled pack is valued at about $40.
Gaby Reyes throws a finished backpack onto a stack during the Caring and Sharing Exchange event. Organizers hope to secure donations for another 200 packs before school starts.
The waiting list was trimmed to 200 from 500 after an appeal for donations a week ago, but Smith said they’re still hoping to close the gap before school starts.
To donate money or find locations to drop off new backpacks and supplies, go to caringandsharing.ca or call 613-226-6436.
avoski@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/anaisvoski
查看原文...
