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At a time when the cost of living presents more and more challenges for families, Saskatoon Tribal Council’s chief recognizes the value and importance of its back-to-school carnival.
“The need is growing every year and as a First Nations organization we are committed to making sure no child goes without as they start a new school year,” STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said on Friday, as the organization hosted its long-running backpack giveaway at White Buffalo Youth Lodge.
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“Saskatoon Tribal Council is leading the way in Saskatoon and the province of Saskatchewan with the largest community contribution of 3,500 backpacks to kids in need and to better their quality of life.”
In 2015, the annual event distributed 500 backpacks. Five years ago, that number had increased to 2,000. This year, organizers gave away 3,500 backpacks to children whose families could use them — an increase of 500 from just one year ago.
The backpacks were handed out to children in the community in advance of the 2024-25 school year. Each bag was filled with essential supplies for students — papers, pens and pencils, binders and more — while children and families were treated to a community barbecue, haircuts, kids’ games and more, free of charge.
Since its inception, the event has taken place each summer in the final days before the school year resumes.
Students are set to return to classrooms in Saskatoon on Sept. 3.
By the time the doors opened on Friday, the line to receive one of the backpacks went out the White Buffalo Youth Lodge door and snaked around the block.
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“Nutrien is proud to be the title sponsor of this very important initiative,” Nutrien executive vice-president and president potash Chris Reynolds said on Friday.
“As a homegrown company, Nutrien knows the importance of being a positive community leader and we commend the work that STC does to help those families in need.”
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