Quebec Initiative to Supply 12,000 Students with Backpacks

Montreal, Quebec – On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, a province‑wide program began distributing school supplies to children identified as lacking essential materials. The effort, known as Opération sac à dos, targets 12,000 students across Quebec and is coordinated by Regroupement Partage with media support from CBC Montreal Daybreak.

Anne‑Marie Éthier, a representative of Regroupement Partage, announced that the initiative will deliver backpacks filled with items such as notebooks, pencils, and other classroom necessities. The distribution is focused on low‑income families, aiming to ensure that each participating child receives a complete set of supplies for the upcoming school term.

Sean Henry of CBC Montreal Daybreak reported from the launch site in Montreal, where volunteers and staff members prepared the first wave of backpacks. The program’s schedule was set for a 11:00 a.m. start, with distribution points planned throughout the city and other regions of the province in the weeks that follow.

Opération sac à dos is part of a broader effort to address material gaps that can affect student attendance and performance. By providing the necessary tools for learning, the organizers hope to reduce barriers that families with limited resources often face.

The 12,000‑student goal reflects data on the number of children currently classified as lacking adequate school materials in Quebec. The program’s reach will extend beyond Montreal, with partner organizations in other communities preparing to receive supplies and coordinate local hand‑outs.

Regroupement Partage and CBC Montreal Daybreak have emphasized that the initiative will continue throughout the school year, with periodic assessments to identify additional needs. The collaboration aims to maintain a steady flow of resources, ensuring that no student is left without the basics required for classroom participation.

The launch marks the first major distribution of the Opération sac à dos campaign, setting the stage for ongoing support to Quebec’s most vulnerable students as the academic year progresses.