United Way Northumberland’s Backpacks for Kids program is off to a strong start thanks to a successful kickoff event in Cobourg.
Held Monday outside the Giant Tiger store, Fill the Ram, Fuel Young Minds brought together families, hockey players, race cars and community supporters all led by Port Hope mortgage broker Sarah Turck, who parked her Dodge Ram out front and encouraged locals to fill it with donations.
Turck says she knew exactly where the need was.
K9ine Security’s CEO Dave Hutnyk was also on-site with guard dog Tracker to lend their support.
Since 2005, Backpacks for Kids has provided school supplies to students in need across Northumberland County. This year’s goal is to fill 850 backpacks with essentials like markers, water bottles, binders and now early literacy tools like age-appropriate storybooks and activity books.
United Way Northumberland Executive Director Alicia Vandine tells us more.
Next up: the annual community packing event in August at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre, generously donated once again for volunteer use.
To donate money, drop off supplies or volunteer, visit www.mynuw.org/backpack-for-kids.
Every backpack helps build a confident start to the school year.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
