The City’s annual Back Pack Program is matching Chestermere families in financial need with gift cards and school supplies.
“It’s to help the families in need, financial need, to start providing them with…financial help for school,” said Community Resource Worker Paulette Tippe.
She said they have seen an increase in registration for the program. Last year, the city helped 33 families. This year 92 have registered.
Work on the program started in May and lasts until the end of August. Donations of new back packs and school supplies were accepted, however Tippe says that gift cards to Wal-Mart and the General Store are the preferred donations.
The gift cards are preferred by the program for several reasons. The cards allow families to maintain dignity and still experience the fun of back to school shopping. It also allows families to buy products and supplies that fit their specific needs.
“A gift card allows a family and allows that student who’s super eager to go back to school to have that moment where they can choose their own supplies,” said Family and Community Services Coordinator Danielle Fermin.
In following that theme of dignity and choice, families come into pick up their supplies and gift cards by appointment. Staff try to make the experience of selecting back packs and supplies as much like a shopping experience as possible.
Anyone returning to school, whether it is grade school or post-secondary are eligible for the program.
To be part of the program families needed to register with a community resource worker such as Tippe prior to Aug. 19. Families in need who missed the deadline should contact the Community Resource Centre as other programs and resources exist to help Chestermere residents.
