Usually, when school lets out for summer the last thing on the minds of student’s and parent’s alike is back to school shopping for September (though, these days office supplies stores tend to cater to those who like to get things done really early). Here at CAYFO that is not the case … we are thinking school supplies and back to school ALL YEAR LONG. I know it seems crazy, BUT we are focused on back to school for a very good reason: we want to ensure that all Ottawa kids start each school year equipped with all the supplies they need to help them succeed. This is not an easy feat, but with the help of the Ottawa community we can do our best to make it happen.
The end of summer is inevitably looming, despite what most kids (and many adults) want to hear. The school year (yes, the “s” word!) is fast approaching. While its always hard to wave goodbye to summer (after, of course, we enjoy the next few weeks of fun!), many of us must admit that there is something exciting about starting fresh and going back to school on the first day with all the new supplies for the year. Getting to put all those new supplies to use definitely helped ease me through the “summer to school” transition each year. Many kids in Ottawa though do not have the opportunity to start school with all the supplies that are requested by schools and teachers.
When I started volunteering at CAYFO three summer’s ago, I was exposed to the reality of how many kids in Ottawa need our support to ensure that they have school supplies, and I sheepishly admit to being shocked. The demand since then has only increased, and with full-day kindergarten gearing up in the fall along with the onset of HST taxation, we have received over 5000 requests for supplies. We are working tirelessly to bring in all the donations and supplies – but we REALLY need your help, as only 1000 kits have been distributed already.
You have the chance to help Ottawa kids start the school year with the supplies they need. Can you rise to the challenge and help us?
Donations can be made online through our website or you can drop off supplies at one of our many drop off locations (visit www.cayfo.ca to check them all out).
Every little bit helps, thanks for your support and for spreading the word!
