The Waterloo Regional Police Service is once again challenging the community to take part in its fourth annual Backpack Challenge!

The Challenge encourages residents to purchase new backpacks, lunch bags, school supplies, or gift cards to be donated to children and families in need. Once again this year, we are also encouraging donations of cloth masks so children can return safely to school this fall.

More than 5,000 backpacks have been collected during the past three years, along with thousands of dollars in gift cards and school supplies. They have been donated to youth organizations and children in Waterloo Region to ensure they have an exciting back-to-school experience.

“This year, much like last year, has been exceptionally challenging for many of us,” said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police. “With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we want to ensure that every child in Waterloo Region goes back to school feeling confident, excited, and safe. Together, we can make a difference.”

The Backpack Challenge will run until August 27, 2021. All donations will be delivered to community organizations throughout Waterloo Region.

Donations can be dropped off at designated spots at Police Headquarters, located at 200 Maple Grove Road in Cambridge, or at any police division:

• North Division, 45 Columbia Street East, Waterloo
• Central Division, 134 Frederick Street, Kitchener
• South Division, 176 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
• Rural Division, 13 Industrial Drive, Elmira

If you would like to arrange a date to drop off a donation or if you would like more information, please contact publicinfo@wrps.on.ca.

Media Inquiries:

Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
publicinfo@wrps.on.ca