School-supply backpack drive for Indigenous students holds fundraiser

A Kitchener organization is looking to give local Indigenous students a jump start to their school year.

Every summer, Healing of the Seven Generationsgives free backpacks and running shoes to Indigenous students who are returning to school.

"Sometimes there [are] backpack programs in the community, but it wasn't specific to our people," Donna Dubie, Executive Director of Healing of the Seven Generations told CBC News.

The backpacks are fully loaded with school supplies from classroom stationery to specially-requested items like magnifying glasses and headphones.

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But the program doesn't only cater to school-aged children. It is open to anyone of any age, as long as they are attending school, and regardless of financial circumstance.

"The significance is that they feel and they know now that they've got community support," Dubie said.

This weekend, the organization is hosting a fundraising barbecue at the Zehrs in Conestoga Mall in Waterloo.

All proceeds will go toward purchasing the backpacks and supplies for the 350 to 400 individuals they hope to service this year.