One in three households in Niagara has an income of less than $30,000. 'Backpacks for Kids' levels the playing field, affording less advantaged youth the opportunity to succeed and start the school year off right, regardless of their economic status. 'Backpacks for Kids' is a hands on, committee run initiative, coordinated annually by United Way. Together with a committee of volunteers from both the public and catholic school boards, this program supports less advantaged students throughout the Region, by providing them with a free backpack filled with school supplies at the beginning of the school year. Key sponsors include Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc., Kiwanis Club of St.Catharines, RBC and Beatties Basics.

Since 2003, more than 9,000 backpacks have been given to junior, elementary and senior level students. What makes this program successful is the partnership and collaboration that is shared among the committee members and stakeholders. In fact, in 2006 'Backpacks for Kids', won the 2006 Peter F. Drucker Award as most 'Innovative Collaboration'.

Members of St. Catharines Transit with United Way's
Francs Hallworth August 26, 2008.