Huge Increase In Edmonton Backpack Program Registrations

by Alberta
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    Going back to school is an exciting and sometimes stressful time for kids, especially if they don’t have the right tools to hit the ground running. The Salvation Army in Edmonton ensures every child has the school supplies he or she needs for the first day of school. This year, the backpack program saw registrations increase from three hundred students to nearly a thousand students.

    “These backpacks are an equalizer,” says Cadet Connie Cristall, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army Crossroads Community Church. "Just because some families don't have the funds doesn’t mean their kids can’t walk into school with pride, like everyone else.”

    At the Crossroads pick-up location, nearly half of the backpack recipients were from Syrian refugee families. In addition, this year was the first time that backpack registration was also available to adult learners completing their GED.

    “The smiles on their faces makes all the hard work worth it,” added Cadet Cristall who had to order more supplies at the last minute to meet the increased demand.

    If you or someone you know in Edmonton is still in need of a backpack and school supplies, please contact the school they are registered at for assistance.