HAMILTON, ON – Operation Backpack, which began six years ago as a modest effort to support a few Hamilton families, has grown into a major initiative that will help 1,000 kids returning to school this year.
The success of Operation BackPack 2017 will be on display Wednesday morning at the ArcelorMittal Hamilton East plant on Strathearne Avenue North, where volunteers will fill 1,000 backpacks with school supplies for kids in need. Volunteers from the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council, ArcelorMittal Hamilton East and many partnering companies and union locals will be on hand to prepare the backpacks.
Operation Backpack 2017’s sponsors:
USW Locals 5328, 16506, 4153, 7135, 1005, 4752, 1976
Steelworkers Humanity Fund
ArcelorMittal Hamilton East
Hamilton Specialty Bar
ARaymond Tinnerman
Kromet International
Golden Horseshoe Credit Union
Many other community sponsors
“In our first year we packed 92 backpacks which were delivered to a few local schools,” said Darren Green, president of the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council.
“The response from teachers told us the need was much greater so we have been working very hard to grow the program to where we are today. This year 500 backpacks will be distributed by St. Matthew’s House and 500 will be delivered directly to schools throughout the city.
Click here to see photos: usw.to/2af
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