Free backpacks help lift back-to-school financial stress in Sask.

The new school year can bring financial strain to some households, but two Saskatchewan foundations are doing their best to help relieve that stress.

Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) marked 10 years of handing out backpacks full of school supplies to families in need on Friday, giving away 3,500 to families in need.

Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said the program has come a long way since it began.

“We started out with 100 backpacks, I believe in 2013 or 14,” said Arcand. “Now we’re up to 3500 … it’s about people in need.”

More than just backpacks were handed out, too, as free haircuts were offered as well as a community barbeque.

Arcand said more people are relying on the backpack program than in previous years.

“Last year, I think it was 55 per cent were newcomers who were receiving backpacks,” said Arcand. “We’re here to help everybody and we want to be a part of the solution.”

Chinonye Emeannana collects school supplies for her son at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

One of those happy recipients was Chinonye Emeannana, who filled her son’s backpack with markers, crayons, folders and a new water bottle.

“It’s not cheap at all (school supplies), so I’m grateful,” said Emeannana. “You can imagine thousands of people getting one today, so I can imagine how much they (STC) put into this.”

Meanwhile, Regina’s Salvation Army is also making sure kids get school supplies for the upcoming year.

“The reality is so many kids and families struggle with getting the right supplies and it’s an expense that a lot of families really struggle with this time of year,” said Al Hoeft with the Regina Salvation Army.

“It’s enough to have to put food on the table and everything — those extra expenses associated with back to school and getting all of the supplies can put a real strain on a family.”

Hoeft estimates there are at least 1,300 kids in Regina who need help getting school supplies. Right now the organization has 800 backpacks ready to be handed out on Monday, and there are a couple hundred families on a waiting list.

“If somebody doesn’t show and we’ve got an extra backpack, we’re going to make sure all of the 800 backpacks are distributed,” he said.

Every backpack handed out by the Salvation Army will include binders, notepads, glue, rulers, erasers, pencils and many other supplies.

Hoeft said helping create the backpacks for kids is wonderful for the community.

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to help those who may be struggling at this time of year and support them. We want to make sure kids are excited to go back to school, and ready to go back with all they need to succeed,” Hoeft added.

Hoeft said you can still help by making a doination at havenofhope.ca/backpacks. Each backpack kit costs about $40 to make.

— with files from 650 CKOM’s Shane Clausing and Mia Holowaychuk

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