With back-to-school season just around the corner, community organizations came together in Riversdale Friday for an annual event aimed at helping students and families prepare for the classroom. The event, now in its 12th year, featured a backpack giveaway, school supplies, a carnival, community resources and activities for children. For many families, the support comes at an important time as the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets. “Families are struggling right now with food, rent — poverty is a big thing right now because of inflation,” Mark Arcand, Chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, told CTV News. Some families arrived as early as 4 a.m. to make sure they could get the supplies their children need for the school year. Students were able to choose the backpack colour of their choice and pick up essentials including erasers, books, toothpaste and other school supplies. “I think it’s great because it helps people, so they don’t have to waste money on school supplies, and for new people to Canada,” one student said. In addition, there were tables connecting families with local community organizations. The Saskatoon Public Library was among the organizations taking part, giving away thousands of withdrawn library materials, all free of charge. Organizers say the event has also evolved over the years to reach more families in the community. “Now that gap has changed to newcomers. It doesn’t matter who it is, non-Indigenous people, everybody’s welcome,” Arcand said. Of the roughly 4,000 backpacks handed out at the event, about one-third went to non-Indigenous families. About 200 went to newcomers. There were also free haircuts provided by Sacred Sheers – making sure kids start their new year in style. Organizers say none of it would happen without the volunteers and community partners who help make the event happen each year. Chief Arcand said $300,000 was raised through donations to make the event possible. Another goal, according to Arcand, is to connect more people with the programs and services available through the White Buffalo Youth Lodge. For families getting ready for a new school year, the event offered more than just backpacks, it provided practical support, community connections, a little extra help and a lot of fun as the final weeks of summer wind down.
