As the new school year approaches, the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Children's Foundation has handed out almost 350 school bags to local children.

For the past 17 years, the “Ton sac d'école comme tout le monde” campaign has been giving a helping hand to families in need by providing them with everything they need for back-to-school, free of charge. But above all, it enables children in need to have the same quality new school equipment as their classmates.

“We have backpacks, lunch boxes, sports bags, water bottles, some school supplies, spring and fall coats, running shoes, winter boots and complete snow suits. Let's just say that the families are well equipped,” says Foundation President Élaine Chagnon.

This year, two dental hygienists were on hand to raise families' awareness of oral health, in addition to giving the little schoolchildren a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. 

Families also benefited from $120, including $60 in gift cards to complete the purchase of school supplies. “The other $60 will cover part of the cost of materials provided by the school,” adds a volunteer from the organization. 

In total, each child receives nearly $1,000 worth of various items. 

A growing need

Not surprisingly, requests for help at the start of the new school year increase year after year. By 2022, 250 children had benefited from a helping hand from the Foundation. By 2024, the number had risen to almost 100. 

“Needs are growing in the region. We have families coming every year. We see children growing up from kindergarten to the end of primary school. We're also seeing more immigrant families,” adds Ms. Chagnon. 

A partner in the campaign for the past 10 years, Marie-Claude Nichols, MNA for Vaudreuil, makes a point of taking part in the large-scale distribution. “I've been involved in the Foundation's campaign since I was elected. It's a cause that's very close to my heart, and I make a point of getting involved every year. Let's face it, with COVID, the rising cost of living and the recent floods, it's not easy for families in the Vaudreuil riding. As we all know, back-to-school time can be expensive, and this kind of campaign is a real help to families. And to see the smiles and eyes of the children when we tell them they can take the school bag and lunch box of their choice, it's wonderful”, confided the MNA.

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