Teachers work so hard to support our students!
To show your appreciation for their kindness, care, and knowledge, consider saying thanks in a way that counts by donating to the Sharing in Student Success program in their honour!
Your donation with provide a child in need in Ottawa with a fully supplied backpack. Click on the button below, and select "In Honour Of", under ECard Category Choose "Teacher Gift" to select your card. It is the perfect end of year gift!
A Gift of Hope
Just $50 provides a local child in need with a backpack filled with grade-appropriate school supplies, so they start the school year with their head held high, ready to learn! You also have the option of presenting a digital e-card to the recipient of this special gift.
Help Ottawa Children and Youth Succeed
Supplying backpacks to children from families in need is part of our Sharing in Student Success (SISS) program. Our goal is to supply Ottawa children and youth with backpacks filled with all the supplies needed for their grade level to help them return to school in the fall prepared to face any challenges so they can succeed in their studies. Without programs like SISS to help, many of these young learners would go without.
Maximize Your Gift
At the Caring and Sharing Exchange, we triple every financial gift made to Sharing in Student Success. That means we buy 3 backpacks complete with school supplies for the price of 1!
Teacher Appreciation Gift - FAQs
When will a child receive the backpack?
Backpacks are distributed through agencies around the city prior to the first day of school. We work throughout the summer preparing backpacks, so they are ready in the weeks leading up to the first day of school.
How do I know a child receiving a backpack really needs it?
All households with children and youth on our list must qualify as low income under the LICO (low income cut-off) measure. This qualification is reviewed by Statistics Canada on an annual basis.
What school supplies are provided in a backpack?
Backpacks are divided by grade level. Each backpack contains all the grade-appropriate school supplies according to the Boards of Education to ensure each child is prepared to participate in all classroom activities, for a successful year of learning.
How many children get backpacks?
In 2023, we were fortunate to provide all 4,198 children on our list with assistance. The demand for back-to-school assistance has significantly increased, last year we saw an overwhelming 31% increase in the need, and we expect that trend to continue this year.
Will the teacher know or see the backpack I gift in their name?
For privacy reasons, the teacher will not see the gifted backpack or get to know the child that receives the backpack. However, from time to time we do share stories and testimonials from recipients with donors and in our newsletter.
Can I include a personalized message to my teacher?
Yes! As you complete your donation, you’ll have the option to include a personalized message as part of the e-card you send to your teacher.
Do you supply children in cities other than Ottawa?
We are a local charity and only provide assistance to children and families within the City of Ottawa.
Our Co-ordination Service is the backbone of our existence. As the reason for our organization's birth way back in 1915, the Co-ordination Service we provide to the Ottawa community ensures that no one in need of assistance goes without. This service also allows the donor dollars being given to nearly 250 community organizations to be distributed evenly and fairly. The Co-ordination service is provided to these agencies free of charge.
Just like Santa, we're making a list and checking it twice!
The Caring and Sharing Exchange works closely with many different agencies that either provide assistance or request assistance for their clients. During this process, we collect the names of the individuals other organizations are helping, as well as the names of the individuals who still need help. Caring & Sharing cross-references the names in order to ensure that (a) all clients in need are matched with an organization providing assistance, and (b) no client is being helped by more than one organization. By running these "duplication checks" we ensure that assistance is distributed evenly within the community and that everyone applying for assistance receives it.
This has saved the community and agencies nearly $300,000 over the past three years!
Are you helping Ottawa residents? Save time and money by joining forces with other caring agencies like yours:
- You can save your organization money by not providing help to someone who has already received assistance;
- You can save other caring organizations like yours money by letting them know who you have helped;
- You can assure donors that their gift is used in the most efficient way possible, going to where it is most needed;
- We provide this service free of charge.
Call 613-226-6434 ext. 232 to register your agency for this program.
