Carmeuse Dundas helps equip children for school

Every year, many families face the financial challenge of getting their children kitted out for school – and children face the worry of starting school without the gear they need. In Carlisle, ON, however, those worries are being eased thanks to the Flamborough Food Bank Back Pack Program, supported by a $1100 donation from the Carmeuse Dundas Operation.

“Flamborough Food Bank have organized the Back Pack Program for 14 years, benefitting the children in need of school supplies in our community,” said Judy O’Brien of Flamborough Food Bank. 
“Our goal is to provide a new back pack and all of the appropriate school supplies for each grade, from junior kindergarten to grade 12, to the children of our food bank families.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen demand for food bank services rise with 200 families supported by the Flamborough Food Bank in 2020 and a record number of children accessing the backpack program. “Last year we were successful in sending 130 children back to school with the essential supplies that many students take for granted,” continued O’Brien. “Our community has many great children who will look forward to the first day of school in September, if they can leave the financial challenges faced at home behind and blend into their class with all of the right tools.”

The Dundas Operation’s donation included the purchase of $1000 of school supplies, including calculators, geometry sets and scientific calculators, as well as a $100 donation from Dundas employees. 

O’Brien concluded with a hint of what the donation means to those who receive it: “To the fantastic employees of Carmeuse, your donation to the Flamborough Food Bank Back Pack program is very much appreciated – a very big thank you! You have made many children smile!”