The South Central Ontario Area Council (SCOAC) held its first Operation Backpack event at the USW Cambridge office last month. Volunteers packed 300 backpacks with school supplies to help students in need start the school year with confidence.

SCOAC was inspired by the Hamilton Area Council’s successful program, which ensures every child has the supplies they need to learn and succeed. The Council worked with Send’em Off Smiling and the Upper Grand District School Board to help kids in Grades 1–8 while respecting families’ privacy and dignity.

This project took months of planning, starting with council approval, outreach to union locals and employers, and fundraising to pay for the supplies. After the backpacks arrived, 19 volunteers, staff members, and community allies came together on Aug. 17 to pack them.

The day also included a workshop called Finding Your Voice, led by Mary Lou Scott and Diane Medina, which encouraged members to think about confidence, communication, and speaking up.

SCOAC President Nadia Crystal called the event a true example of solidarity in action. She said it was amazing to see members, locals, and employers come together in their own time to support kids, bringing energy, laughter, and even some friendly competition to the room. SCOAC plans to make Operation Backpack an annual tradition that continues to grow each year.

Source: USW Canada