Bruce Power has once again helped to provide much-needed school supplies to about 2,100 youth in Bruce and Grey counties.

The company donated $26,000 to the United Way of Bruce Grey’s annual Backpack Program, which helps school to be a positive experience for all children, regardless of their economic situation, said Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director, United Way of Bruce Grey.

“By providing school supplies to low-income children, the United Way, Bruce Power and our other supporters are providing the tools needed to start off the year on the right foot,” Dobbyn said. “Bruce Power’s generous donation allows us to pre-purchase the backpacks and school supplies at a wholesale price, saving the program significant money each year.”

Since 2005, the United Way – with the support of Bruce Power and numerous community groups and individuals – has distributed over 19,000 backpacks throughout Bruce and Grey counties. The program fills the backpacks on two factors, gender and grade level. Four grade levels are created to ensure the right supplies are provided for the right age group. Local agencies review their client lists and send the United Way a bulk request for supplies, which enables the organization to plan its numbers and have a distribution system in place to get the backpacks to the children.

Bruce Power invests heavily in local education through primary, secondary and post-secondary school awards and scholarships, while stressing the importance of achieving educational goals.

“The United Way’s Backpack Program provides a fantastic boost to students whose family may otherwise not be able to afford new supplies at the start of the school year,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power President and CEO. “By providing some of the seed money for this important program, we’re helping kids focus on their education and not their lack of supplies when they walk through the school door.”

Learn more about the Backpack Program at United Way of Bruce Grey's website.