Showing Canadian moms and kids we’ve got their back

A child’s backpack should be a little world full of every comfort and necessity. A place where they can look inside and see they are taken care of. Whether it’s a pen to write and draw, a notebook containing all they have learned, or an extra change of clothes in case their day comes with unexpected turns – a backpack has their back. 

Many children, however, find themselves with lighter bags, with only a few things here and there inside. This is because 19.7% of children in Toronto live in low-income households and 26.3% of GTA homes are run by single mothers who struggle to make ends meet due to the continuous rise of living costs. Indigenous families are also underserved within their communities. 18.8% of Indigenous families live in low-income households. Parents who would do anything for their children are forced to limit their supplies to keep a standard of living. 

Humaniti wanted to empower these parents and their families. With our partners at International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) and Human Concern International (HCI), Humaniti gave away 2,000 backpacks that were full of school supplies and care packages to single and Indigenous parents and their children. 

The backpacks contained a multitude of items to empower these children. Creative tools like pens, pencils and markers allow for their creativity and thoughts to be put on paper. Organization tools such as notebooks, schedules, and planners to help them feel more prepared and ready for the school year and other essential items to empower learning and growth. 

The backpacks not only served the children but also their mothers. The care packages included helpful healing items for them to feel appreciated and respected. Special gifts from our partners at Uniqlo were placed inside the packs. 

The 2,000 backpacks that were given out reinforced the idea that every child and family unit deserves to be looked after. Humaniti’s goal was to extend a helping hand to provide children with the school experience they deserved – one where they could focus on their studies and their personal instead of having to hold themselves back. 

 Humaniti wanted to ensure that these mothers who sacrificed so much to aid their children were also taken care of. Single mothers singlehandedly care for their children, their households, their income and the well-being of their family. Their strength is immeasurable and should never be overlooked.