Sharing and Caring backpack drive seeing record demand ahead of back-to-school season
Rising costs of living, inflation, and housing expenses are driving families to seek help filling school supply bags for their children.
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Sharing and Caring exchange is reporting record demand for its community backpack drive as families struggle with the rising cost of living and decide between essentials and school supplies.
Matthew Mitchell, of Sharing and Caring, said demand this year has exceeded previous years. "That's largely because of some reasons like the cost of living, inflation … an increase in housing costs, an increase in food, an increase in essentials across the board," he said.
Theresa Kavanaugh, a community member, noted that the severe flooding Ottawa experienced on Canada Day has compounded family hardship. "With the strain of the flooding this year everybody is in need of a boost," she said. Mitchell explained that when families face tight budgets, they prioritize food on the table over school supplies.
The next back-to-school drive takes place next week. Sharing and Caring is still working to meet its goal for backpacks filled before the school year begins.
How many backpacks is Sharing and Caring aiming to fill for the upcoming school year?
How much does a typical backpack with school supplies cost through the program?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What's driving higher demand for Sharing and Caring's backpack drive this year?
Rising cost of living, inflation, increased housing costs, and higher food and essential expenses are forcing families to choose between basic needs and school supplies. Flooding in Ottawa on Canada Day has also intensified hardship for families in the community.
When is the next back-to-school drive happening?
The next back-to-school drive takes place the week of August 19, 2026.
