99.1 and BELL ALLIANT are giving away BACKPACKS FOR KIDS from August 18-29. We’ll set you and your kids up with backpacks AND fill them with school supplies. Your children will be ready for the new school year thanks to Bell Alliant and 99.1 CKXS!
It’s ALMOST time to head back to school! 99.1 and Bell Alliant want you to be ready! Bell and CKXS are giving away BACKPACKS FOR KIDS from August 18-29. We’ll set you and your kids up with backpacks AND fill them with school supplies. PLUS, we’ll donate a SECOND backpack, FULL of supplies to your school! Listen in for your chance to win daily on XS Mornings and Weekdaze! This is the 12th year for the Backpacks for Kids program, aimed at making back-to-school easier for elementary school-aged children in need. Bell Aliant employees and volunteers fill backpacks with school supplies and distribute them to school and community organizations. Customers and the general public can make donations online or at select Bell Aliant stores. Your children – and those in need in your community – will be ready for the new school year thanks to Bell Alliant and 99.1 CKXS!
What is Backpacks for Kids?
This is the 12th year for Backpacks for Kids. It’s an annual program aimed at making back-to-school easier for elementary school-aged children in need. Bell Aliant employees and Pioneer Volunteers fill backpacks with school supplies and distribute them to school and community organizations. Customers and the general public can make donations online or at select Bell Aliant stores.
Why did Bell Aliant get involved in this program?
Bell Aliant first partnered with the Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers for Backpacks for Kids in response to studies that indicated that an investment in early childhood development and education is a key area of focus to break the poverty cycle.
How does Bell Aliant support the program?
In addition to the hundreds of volunteer hours by Bell Aliant employees and retirees to coordinate the program and fill and distribute the backpacks, Bell Aliant purchases all of the backpacks.
What impact has the campaign had on communities?
In the last 10 years, Bell Aliant employees and Pioneer volunteers have filled and delivered nearly 28,000 backpacks to children who would otherwise not have them. This year, our goal is to fill 10,000 backpacks. According to our findings, this would address 15 per cent of the need throughout the communities served by Bell Aliant.
Who receives the backpacks?
Backpacks are distributed to elementary school-aged children through schools and community organizations who have contacted us directly. Distribution is based on the greatest need.
Who decides which organizations or schools receive backpacks?
Schools and community-based organizations place requests directly with us. Backpacks are distributed according to the requests we receive and where the need is greatest.
How do I get involved?
Customers and the general public can make an online donation through Bell Aliant’s social media campaign on Facebook or Twitter beginning July 15 until September 7. Cash donations can also be made at most Bell Aliant stores in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador from August 6 to September 7. Donations will be used to purchase school supplies to fill as many backpacks as possible.
How much does it cost to fill a backpack?
The cost of suggested supplies is approximately $30-40, for a combined value of $50 with the backpack.
How is my donation/contribution used?
One hundred per cent of your contribution goes toward the purchase of school supplies to fill more backpacks. Total approximate value of supplies and a backpack is $50.
I have children in need and would like to receive backpacks filled with school supplies. How can I get added to the list?
You should contact your school or community-based organizations in your area to see if they participate in the program and have your name added to their list of recipients.
Is it possible to ensure my backpack donation helps a child in my area?
Backpacks are distributed according to the need identified in the requests we receive from outside organizations. Backpacks often do remain in the local community, however we can’t guarantee where they will be distributed.
Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation/contribution?
The program is coordinated through the Bell Aliant Pioneers. The Bell Aliant Pioneers is a registered non-profit organization and not a registered charity and for this reason unable to issue a tax receipt. One hundred percent of your contribution is used to purchase school supplies to fill backpacks. Bell Aliant covers all program administration costs to support the program, including the cost to purchase the backpacks.
