Provides school supplies to school-age children who live at or below the poverty line. Supports families who cannot afford new school supplies.

2025 Program

Jun 23, 2025 until 8:30 am on Aug 25, 2025, individuals can dial 2-1-1 on their phone to apply for the Backpack Program. 2-1-1 call centre staff will complete the intake application process. After 8:30 am, Aug 25, 2025, contact United Way directly.

Large agencies should submit their requests to www.backpackorder.ca

Once backpacks are available, the United Way will contact the parent and co-ordinate pick up in Owen Sound or at a depot in their community. Requests after Aug 16 may not reach a depot and the parent may need to come to Owen Sound to pick up.

Families in Owen Sound will be able to pick up their backpacks at the United Way of Bruce Grey office starting August 14th during regular business hours.

Starting August 5th for families outside of Owen Sound, pick-up locations and times can be found here.

• Does not provide for children in day care or nursery school.
  
• Will provide for college or university students, IF they have siblings in elementary or high school that are accessing the backpack program.