Gift giving is about showing appreciation and thanks. When you give a gift to a teacher, you’re thanking them for the kindness and knowledge they’ve brought into your life.

Consider gifting a fully supplied backpack to a child in need in Ottawa in your teacher's name and we will send them an e-card informing them of your special gift of thanks!

Teacher Gift Ecard Example

A Gift of Hope

Just $40 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 will also receive a card to present 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. Students have been experiencing major shifts in their education due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 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!

The Perfect End-Of-Year Gift

In light of Covid-19 and with everyone social distancing, what better way to honour a teacher than by making a gift in their name to support another child’s education? If you’re struggling to think of the perfect end-of-year present for a teacher, consider making a gift in their name to a child in need in the Ottawa community. We will send your teacher a lovely e-card, informing them of your generous gift, personalized with a message from you!

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 French-language public 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 OCDSB guidelines to ensure each child is prepared to participate in all classroom activities, for a successful year of learning.

How many children get backpacks?

In 2019, we were fortunate to provide all 3,363 children on our list with assistance. The demand for back-to-school assistance has significantly increased since 2015, and we expect to see a dramatic increase in registration 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 that we will include in the e-card sent to your teacher.

Can I request to have a physical card mailed directly to me, so my child can present the card to their teacher?

In the past, this has been an option. However, due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place, we are only able to send virtual cards (email cards) this year.

Do you supply children in cities other than Ottawa?

We are a small local charity and only provide assistance to children and families within the City of Ottawa.