As summer days fly by, retailers continue to stock their shelves with back-to-school in mind. Everything from lunch bags, to stationary, to clothes and, of course, the latest and greatest electronics are being advertised in stores and online. Preparing for another school year can be an exciting and chaotic time as summer break comes to an end, but for some families in our community, the task can be daunting because of limited financial resources. According to a study done by Statistics Canada, 12.2% of children aged 17 and under in Waterloo Region are living in low income households (1). One local charity in particular has made it their goal to help meet some basics needs of these children.
Send’em off Smiling is a registered charity with a mission of setting children in need on a more hopeful path. Since 1994, their aim has been to provide students with the necessary clothing and supplies needed to start the school year off on the right track.
You can learn more on the Send’em Off Website.
(1) Statistics Canada. (2006). UPP_06_Table1. Canadian Census