At Women’s Centre of York Region our 2017 Fall Back to School Backpack drive is in full swing. Women’s Centre of York Region (WCYR) is a non-profit organization that offers programming and services to women who are looking for positive change in their lives. Unlike any other organization in York Region, our programs and services are offered at little or no cost.

Through our programs, women gain the skills and knowledge to build and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships, make decisions about their finances, gain access to income and employment, start businesses, go back to school, and take on leadership roles. We do this through various programs from counselling to life skills, financial literacy to career exploration.

WCYR’s Tangible Supports program offers a variety of services to help low to moderate income women move from financial vulnerability toward sustainability. Our clients access monthly grocery cards and bundles with personal care items, as well as seasonal supports through annual campaigns such as our Winter Hamper and Back to School Backpack programs.

We rely on community support for the success of our campaigns, and are seeking your support for our Back to School Backpack program. We are assembling new backpacks, lunch bags, and water bottles for girls and boys of various ages, as well as for adult learners. Based on last year’s numbers and increased demand this year, we are projecting a need for 100 backpacks, lunch bags, and water bottles for our clients and their children. We hope to distribute the backpacks to qualified clients by late August/early September..

We appreciate your consideration of how you can further support our clients. Many of our clients have difficulties making ends meet and often can’t afford back to school items. This program ensures that all children and adult learners have access to the tools they need to be successful in starting their school year – with dignity