Some students in need of a helping hand are getting one from a Barrie-based program that looks to put knapsacks full of supplies on the backs of more than 3,000 students.
Providing Instruments for Excellence (PIE) Education will be filling up 3,300 backpacks with school supplies and back-to-school necessities for underprivileged children this afternoon as another school year approaches.
More than 30 volunteers will assist this year’s initiative to distribute backpacks throughout Barrie, Rexdale and Ottawa through PIE Education, the John Tavares Foundation and Progress for Mental Health, ensuring children in need start the upcoming academic year on a path to success.
"Going back to school is an exciting time, but not all students have access to the necessities they need to prepare for the year ahead," said Alex Nuttall, co-founder of PIE Education and mayor of Barrie. "Our backpack program enables children on their educational journey by providing them with the resources they need to achieve success in school.”
Craig Russell, co-founder of PIE Education and co-owner of PIE Wood Fire Pizza Joint, along with fellow PIE pizza co-owner Angela Pidutti, also spoke of the project.
“Inflation is hitting families hard and it’s more important than ever to create practical solutions to fight poverty amongst our youth,” said Russell,
“In these extremely formative years, we hope to give over 3,000 kids the confidence they need to have a successful school year,” added Pidutti.
The backpack-filling event will begin at 2:30 p.m. at Harvest Bible Chapel, 7 George St., in Barrie.
Anyone looking for more information can visit the website by clicking here.
