The town of Cochrane has announced a backpack program to help local students hit the school year prepared.
Back to school times can be stressful, but the Cochrane and Area Family Resource Network (FRN), in partnership with Staples, the Kiwanis Club of Cochrane, and the Cochrane food bank are bringing their backpack program back to try and help parents make ends meet.
The program is available for kids from kindergarten all the way to Grade 12 with backpacks fully stocked with school supplies. The program will be running from August 17th to September 4th of this year, but does have limited quantities. And thanks to the Cochrane Food Bank, kids will be getting a snack pack along with their school supplies.
Families will need to submit applications in-person, at the Family Resource Network from August 17th to September 18th while supplies last. Families will have to provide proof of enrollment in a Cochrane or West Rocky View County school, and a valid Cochrane Connect Card or a Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Notice of Credit (formerly the GST/HST credit).
If you don’t have the required documents, you can book an appointment with a FRN Resource Worker to discuss.
Community members can also help support the program by making a monetary donation. Donations are accepted at:
- Staples (40 Quarry Street E.)
- Family Resource Network (127 First Avenue W.)
- FCSS (#1, 209 Second Avenue W.)
We got to chat with Kim Krawec about this event, and asked what kind of supplies kids can expect.
We asked about how the program came to be and about challenges they faced.
Kim also told us about how they are helping kids gain access to electronics and computers for the school year.
For more information about the Backpack Program, eligibility requirements or how to donate, visit cochrane.ca/backtoschool or call 403-851-2265.
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