2022 Backpack Challenge

Update:

Thank you to everyone who donated to this year's Backpack Challenge! 

In this record-breaking year, we've collected approximately 3,300 backpacks, over 1,500 lunch bags, over $10,000 in cash and gift cards, and thousands of school supplies from WRPS members, community members, and countless organizations.

Thank you for helping us send so many children back to school with a smile!

Still looking to donate? Click on "Pick Up a Backpack" below and view the list of community organizations we're partnered with to hand out backpacks to families in need.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service is once again challenging the community to take part in its fifth annual Backpack Challenge.

The Challenge encourages residents to purchase new backpacks, lunch bags, school supplies, or gift cards to be donated to children and families in need.

More than 7,000 backpacks have been collected during the past four years, along with thousands of dollars in gift cards and school supplies. They have been donated to youth organizations and children in Waterloo Region to ensure they have an exciting back-to-school experience and are prepared for the year ahead.

“Getting a new backpack and school supplies is fun and exciting. We are reaching out to the community to help ensure that every child in Waterloo Region goes back to school feeling confident, excited, and ready to learn,” said John Goodman, Acting Chief of Police.

The Backpack Challenge will run until August 23, 2022. All donations will be delivered to community organizations throughout Waterloo Region or picked up at the Children's Safety Village by community residents.