Quebec officials announced on Tuesday the launch of a province‑wide backpack drive aimed at providing school supplies to 12,000 students who lack the basic materials needed for a successful school year. The effort, known as Opération sac à dos, will see backpacks packed with essential items distributed to children from low‑income families across the region.
Anne‑Marie Éthier, a representative of the charitable network Regroupement Partage, explained that the program is designed to remove a key barrier to education by ensuring every child starts the year with a fully stocked backpack. The organization will coordinate with local schools and community centres to identify eligible students and manage the distribution logistics.
Sean Henry of CBC Montreal reported that the initiative has been in planning for several months and will involve volunteers from a range of community groups. He noted that the timing coincides with the start of the new school term, allowing families to receive the supplies before classes begin. The drive also includes a public awareness component, encouraging donors and businesses to contribute new or gently used items to fill the backpacks.
The Opération sac à dos program builds on previous provincial efforts to address educational inequities, focusing this year on reaching a broader geographic area. By targeting 12,000 students, organizers hope to make a measurable impact on attendance and performance among those most at risk of falling behind due to lack of resources. The distribution phase is set to commence within the next few weeks, with final deliveries expected before the end of the month.