The Waterloo Regional Police Service is once again challenging the community to take part in its seventh annual Backpack Challenge.
The Backpack Challenge encourages businesses and residents to purchase new backpacks, lunch bags, school supplies, or gift cards to be donated to children and families in need.
More than 16,000 backpacks have been collected over the past six years, along with thousands of dollars in gift cards and school supplies. Last year, all of the items were donated to families and more than 25 child and youth organizations throughout Waterloo Region to ensure they have an exciting back-to-school experience and are prepared for the year ahead.
The Backpack Challenge will run until August 16, 2024. All donations will be delivered to community organizations throughout Waterloo Region.
Donations can be dropped off at any of our divisions:
- Headquarters, 200 Maple Grove Road, Cambridge
- North Division, 45 Columbia Street East, Waterloo
- Central Division, 200 Frederick Street, Kitchener
- South Division, 176 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
Donate a Backpack
You can drop off new backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies, and gift cards at any of our police divisions by August 16, 2024. If you have a large number of backpacks to donate, contact us at publicinfo@wrps.on.ca or 519-570-9777 ext. 8188 to make special arrangements.
Headquarters
200 Maple Grove Road,
Cambridge, Ontario N3H 5M1
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
North Division
45 Columbia Street East
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4N7
Open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Central Division
200 Frederick Street
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4G3
Open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
South Division
176 Hespeler Road
Cambridge, Ontario N1R 6V7
Open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pick Up a Backpack
This year, we are working with several community partners to help hand out backpacks. There are a variety of dates and locations to choose from. Once you have registered, you may proceed to pick-up a backpack on the date and time you have selected.
Please note:
- Complete ONE form per family
- Changes cannot be made once the form is submitted
- You can only pick-up backpacks for your own family
- Once you arrive at your chosen pick-up location, you will have to check-in with registration staff
Due to the high demand for backpacks, registration is now closed.
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