Community straps in for Guelph Community Backpack Project
By :Ariel Deutschmann, GuelphToday.com
School is out, but the Guelph Community Backpack Project will soon be in session.
Hope House is currently accepting applications from families to register their child for the annual school supply drive. Last year, the project distributed 1,600 backpacks filled with school materials to those in need. So far this year, 1,315 families have already registered for the program.
Jaya James, executive director at Hope House, said this program helps kids get on equal footing for the school year.
The Guelph Storm will also be assisting on the action, collecting backpacks from July 4 to July 28. For every new backpack donated with all school supplies listed on the Guelph Storm website, residents will receive two tickets to their upcoming match against the Erie Otters on Dec. 2. Backpacks can be dropped off at the Guelph Storm office or at Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars.
Matt Newby, vice president of business operations for the Guelph Storm, said the club hopes to collect between 300 to 500 backpacks and spread awareness about the project.
“I think the education aspect is a huge part of why we wanted to get involved,” said Newby.
“With the Storm, this opportunity they have provided will allow the whole community to get involved in a meaningful way,” said James. “It gives us as a community a chance to celebrate together.”
