Back to school reminders

It felt like every business had a back-to-school sale — even if they have nothing to do with school.

Of course, people need all the savings they can get in this economy.

While walking during Labour Day weekend, I noticed a craft and card store with a back-to-school display, featuring a list of every school supply imaginable.

It reminded me of the school supply drives that I once hosted.

I then thought of the many students — both in Toronto and around the world — who don’t have easy access to these supplies.

Mega corporations like Walmart and Amazon encourage buying new backpacks, lunch bags and pencil cases every year, yet millions of children won’t even have the chance to go to school, let alone buy new supplies.

When I started my non-profit after visiting the Dominican Republic in 2015, I saw that school uniforms and shoes were barriers to education for kids we met.

So my first ACCESS fundraiser focused on raising money for these essentials.

Later, we also collected items.

Trying to address a need

Our annual School Supply Drive began at a Brampton church.

It became a great volunteer opportunity, and the community contributed everything from notebooks and pens to art supplies.

It expanded to other locations including Laurier University.

The supplies were shipped directly to students in need through established connections.

I knew that collecting supplies to ship to developing countries wasn’t a long-term solution, but it was tangible, actionable, and practical.

People like the idea of giving something physical.

So does the local media, apparently.

What about now?

This year, I’m not shopping for school supplies. I realized I hadn’t thought much about the needs of school children overseas, having not been exposed to the need.

That window display somehow got me thinking.

Many nonprofit supporters, potential or past donors are in the same boat.

It helps for people to have the problem and solution right in front of them to take action.

It’s easy to get caught up in our daily lives, focusing on the next purchase or upgrade, without thinking about the massive inequity and poverty gap that exist both locally and globally.

This back-to-school season, whether you’re in the classroom like me or far removed, consider how you can support education.

I’m not suggesting it be through school supplies specifically — that’s likely not even the most pressing need.

There are so many ways to contribute, even if it’s investing in one student.

Making giving meaningful

It's really helpful for many donors and potential donors — you and anyone else reading this — to see where their impact is going, and to learn about the people that directly benefit.

Need looks very different and sometimes it's not visible — but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't actively seek out ways to support our young and future leaders — whether it's through volunteering our time, sponsorships, mentorship, or donating to scholarships or other education programs.

Throwback: Here are a few photos from our supply drive and 2010 trip to Haiti. We sponsored students after fundraising back home, and brought supplies after the 2010 earthquake. Seeing the direct impact of your contributions can be incredibly motivating.