Sadie Lindstrom, 9, gets her backpack from Monique Blough, United Way of Calgary and Area Director of Children and Youth Stategies, at their annual Backpack Distribution Event on Saturday at Murray Copot Arena. More than 400 students received backpacks filled with school supplies ahead of the new school year. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia Calgary

Article content

As the back-to-school season approaches, local non-profits are ensuring families in need are stocked up with supplies.

Article content

The Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), in partnership with Humaniti Foundation and MUHSEN Canada, hosted its first annual backpack giveaway program on Saturday.

Article content

Article content

The Beyond Backpacks initiative was born in Toronto, and has supported thousands of families as it expanded across the country. On Saturday, 1,000 backpacks were distributed to low-income families across Alberta.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

“Even working Canadians are finding it difficult to maintain their regular expenses, and many families have to make the tough decision whether to put food on the table, or to pay rent, or to pay utilities, or to get their kids ready for school,” said Nawal Al-Busaidi, director of programs for Humaniti Foundation. 

Article content

“For us, it’s about providing equal opportunity, providing access, eliminating barriers, but most importantly, building dignity,” she said. 

Article content

For the first time in Alberta, the national Beyond Backpacks initiative will provide 1,000 children and youth, including children with disabilities, with backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene essentials, helping newcomer and vulnerable families prepare for the school year. Saturday’s event took place at the CCIS Main Office in Calgary. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia Calgary

Article content

Several hundred boxes of school supplies and hygiene products were donated by a combination of individuals and corporate donors, said Amber Rehman, Humaniti’s program consultant for Western Canada. 

Article content

“We tried to do everything with materials and school bags that were extremely good quality, so that children that are walking away with backpacks are feeling that confidence, that this will be part of their student experience in the following years,” she said.

Article content

Hasmik Asmaryan, director of business, employment and training services at CCIS, said the need continues to grow, so the hope is for the program to continue to expand each year.

Article content

Article content

“For parents who are exploring and navigating new systems, going through a job search process, learning English — just imagine, they are yet to think about preparing their kids for school,” she said. 

Article content

“For kids also, it’s a huge message because, beyond getting a backpack, they are getting the message that the community cares for them.”

Article content

A couple of youngsters receive their backpacks on Saturday ahead of the new school year. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia Calgary

Article content

For Peter Gatjalvuotkoal, who came to Calgary from South Sudan earlier this year, the program is a big help. With six kids ages 17 and under, the cost of school supplies stacks up.

Article content

“We are so excited,” he said. “Even the kids, they are so happy about that.”

Article content

Programs like this, he said, make his family feel welcomed and taken care of in their new home, and will help to set his kids up for success in the new school year.

Article content

“They will get all the supplies, so we will go back happy,” he said. “They will feel proud about that.”

Article content

Article content

United Way, too, hosted a backpack giveaway Saturday as part of a back-to school fair in partnership with Planet Youth. The event brought in organizations of all kinds for a one-stop shop where families could find supports and resources for the upcoming school year.