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Backpack program ramps up again

The Town of Cochrane’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Western Rocky View Family and Community Resource Centre are asking for donations for their annual Backpack Program.

The Town of Cochrane’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Western Rocky View Family and Community Resource Centre are asking for donations for their annual Backpack Program.

The program ensures that low-income families get the necessary equipment for their students starting school in the fall. The program works with local schools to ensure the supplies provided meet the list set by each school and then partners with Staples to purchase the supplies.

“This program is an attempt to, in a small way, alleviate some of the back-to-school pressure that parents are under when there are so many needs at that time of year for spending,” said Annemarie Tocher, co-ordinator for the Western Rocky View Family and Community Resource Centre

Tocher said since the program started seven years ago, the number of people accessing it has increased each year.

“Consistently the program has grown roughly 20 to 30 per cent every year in terms of demand. Last year we grew about 10 to 12 per cent – we had quite a jump from 2014 to 2015. In 2014, we helped just over 100 students and last year we helped just over 180,” Tocher explained.

Tocher said they are anticipating another huge jump in the number of people accessing the program due to the current economic climate. She also thinks the increasing cost of school supplies may be a factor for families asking for help.

“With the increase in the use of technology at schools, there is more expectation on parents to provide electronic supports for their children. At the very least, even having laptop compatibly backpacks is one of the expectations,” Tocher said.

Tocher said the program is looking at other options in terms of providing supplies for students. For example, two years ago the program received a donation from Centrica Energy which provided 10 scientific calculators to be used on loan at the high schools in the area.

While monetary donations are preferred, unused school supplies can also be accepted as a donation for the program, which will run into mid-September. Donations can be made at the FCSS or at Staples.

Tocher said the average cost per pack last year was $47 but students in higher grades require more supplies making their packs more expensive.

Families looking to be involved in the program can call the FCSS and speak to one of the resource workers at 403-851-2250. Children kindergarten to Grade 12 can be registered for the program at any time during the year.

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