Quebec officials launched a province‑wide backpack drive on Tuesday, aiming to provide school supplies to 12,000 students from low‑income families. The effort, known as Opération sac à dos, is designed to ensure that children entering the new school year have the essential materials they need for learning.
The initiative is being coordinated by Anne-Marie Éthier, a representative of the community organization Regroupement Partage. Éthier explained that the program will distribute backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, and other basic items to students identified as lacking resources. The distribution will take place across multiple sites in Quebec, reaching schools and community centers throughout the province.
CBC Montreal Daybreak host Sean Henry reported on the launch, noting that the timing coincides with the start of the fall semester. Henry highlighted that the drive reflects a broader provincial commitment to address educational inequities and support families facing financial hardship. The program builds on previous years of similar efforts, expanding its reach to cover more students in need.
Opération sac à dos operates under the premise that access to proper school supplies is a fundamental factor in academic success. By supplying backpacks and essential items, the program seeks to remove a barrier that can affect attendance, participation, and overall performance in the classroom. The effort also aligns with other social services aimed at supporting low‑income households during the school year.
Organizers anticipate that the distribution will be completed before the end of September, giving families sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming term. The drive is funded through a combination of provincial resources and private donations, though specific financial figures were not disclosed. Volunteers are being recruited to assist with packing and delivering the backpacks, ensuring that the operation runs smoothly and reaches the targeted 12,000 students.
The launch of the backpack drive underscores Quebec's ongoing strategy to promote educational equity and provide tangible assistance to families facing economic challenges.