The Calgary Police Youth Foundation believes that all children deserve the opportunity to succeed in school and in life. For the third consecutive year we will provide backpacks loaded with school supplies and department store gift cards to up to 800 Indigenous and marginalized students in Calgary and we need YOUR help to make it possible.

Backpacks will be filled with essential school supplies and will be supplemented with a $50 department store gift card, all with the goal of setting students up for a successful year of learning. We will work directly with educators to determine the contents of each backpack, ensuring that all of the student’s individual needs are met. Backpacks will be assembled by a generous group of volunteers and distributed to students in mid-August.

By partnering with our friends at the Calgary Police Service, Backpacks for Brighter Futures also creates an opportunity for police officers to engage in conversations with educators, students, parents, and caregivers, which helps to establish CPS as trusted adults in the eyes of young people. This is particularly important in marginalized communities where there may be negative perceptions or distrust of police.

By building these connections, we are helping to strengthen the bonds within our community and create an environment where students have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

During 2022, the following groups of students will receive backpacks from this campaign:

• Holy Trinity Elementary School
• Patrick Airlie Elementary School
• Piitoayis Family School
• Niitsitapi Learning Centre
• Highbanks Society
• Stardale Women’s Group

By donating to Backpacks for Brighter Futures, you can help us stuff these backpacks full of much-needed supplies for students and help them prepare for the school year ahead!