Back-to-School Backpack Program

Since 2011, the Kiwanis Club of Orillia's Back-to-School Backpack Program has helped local children begin the school year feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn by providing backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students facing financial barriers.

The program was inspired by Kiwanian Francois Tisi, who recognized the success of a similar initiative in another community and saw an opportunity to bring it to Orillia. Working alongside then-President Tim Timpano and with the support of Staples Orillia, the club developed a program that would provide high-quality backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies to children in need.

From the beginning, community partnerships have been at the heart of the program's success. Staples has generously supported the initiative through discounted supplies, customer donations collected in-store, and additional contributions that help maximize every dollar raised. Local organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, have played an important role in identifying children who would benefit most and ensuring the backpacks reach families before the first day of school.

What began with volunteers gathering to pack backpacks in a member's home has grown into a long-standing Kiwanis tradition. Club members continue to shop for supplies, assemble backpacks, and work together each summer to prepare students for a successful school year.

Following Francois Tisi's passing in 2015, dedicated Kiwanis volunteers ensured the program continued to grow and thrive. Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers adapted to changing circumstances to ensure children still received backpacks filled with the supplies they needed. Today, club members continue to work together to shop, pack, and distribute backpacks, carrying forward the program's original vision of supporting local students and families.

The program continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our community. Beginning with the 2026 Back-to-School Backpack Program, the Kiwanis Club of Orillia is excited to expand its impact through a new initiative in partnership with the Orillia Youth Centre. This collaboration will help ensure even more local youth have access to the supplies they need for a successful start to the school year.

Today, the Back-to-School Backpack Program serves approximately 60 children each year. Since its inception, more than 600 local students have started the school year with the supplies they need to succeed—helping build confidence, reducing financial stress for families, and creating a positive start to their educational journey. With new partnerships and continued community support, the program is well positioned to reach even more children and youth in the years ahead.

By helping students walk into their classrooms prepared and proud, the Kiwanis Club of Orillia continues its commitment to improving the lives of children—one backpack at a time.

Every child deserves to begin the school year feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn.

Francois Tisi with his youngest grandson, Jasper.

A happy backpack recipient and his ‘Big Brother’.

Contact

Reach out to support our community efforts.

Email

kiwaniscluborillia@gmail.com

© Kiwanis Club of Orillia, established in 1924, boasting a track record of strong community service with a special focus on children.

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