Operation Backpack - Ensure Children's Success

This fundraiser is organized by Ignite Durham Learning Foundation.

Who We Are

At the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF), we believe that every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in school, regardless of their financial circumstances. As a registered charity, we work to remove barriers to learning for students across the Durham District School Board by providing essential resources like school supplies, nutrition, technology, and more.

Why We’re Raising Funds

Poverty in Durham Region is affecting thousands of children and their families. A 2019 Durham Region study observed that in some priority neighbourhoods, the poverty rate is as high as 23%, meaning nearly 1 in 4 children are going to school without their essential needs. Rapid rising inflation and other factors are exacerbating this reality for many more children and families. At IDLF, we support any DDSB student in their time of need, with over 80,000 students within the system, following these metrics we believe there are over 20,000 students in need of support.

The reality is children in our community need YOUR support as every child deserves to begin the school year with a backpack full of supplies and the confidence that comes with being prepared. But for more families than ever, back-to-school costs are a growing challenge, and some students are starting the year without the essentials.

What Impact Your Donation Will Have

Your donation not only provides school supplies, it creates a foundation for academic success, confidence, and inclusion.

Research shows that when students have the tools they need, they are more likely to engage in learning, perform better academically, and feel a greater sense of belonging in the classroom. Something as simple as having their own backpack or a fresh set of pencils can spark motivation and boost self-esteem. By donating you are preparing students for a successful academic career.

$5 – Provides pencils, pens, erasers, and basic supplies
$10 – Covers a lunch container or water bottle for a student
$50 – Buys a brand-new backpack
$100 – Supplies a student with a new backpack and essential supplies
$200 – Provides a complete school supply kit, including backpack, lunch gear, stationery, and math tools

Organizations We Are Collaborating With

This year, for the first time, we are coming together with 5 organizations across Durham to coordinate our efforts in a unified way—streamlining outreach, reducing duplicate tasks, and increasing impact. By working together, the partners are making it

easier for donors to give and ensuring more families get the support they need, when they need it most.

Durham Children's Aid Foundation
Durham Community Health Centre
Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
Simcoe Hall Settlement House
St. Andrew's Community Food Bank
United Way of Durham Region

How Funds Will Be Distributed

We’ve created a coordinated system to identify and support students in need throughout Durham Region.

1. We’ve launched a dedicated registration webpage to gather information from families who require support.

Whether a student needs a backpack, school supplies, lunch gear, or other essential items, we ensure they receive what’s needed to start the school year with dignity and confidence. We also work closely with school staff who can identify students quietly in need, ensuring no one is left behind.

2. Distribution of supplies takes place at multiple charity and community locations across Durham Region, including the IDLF Make a Difference Depot, as well as our partner organizations’ sites.

These trusted community hubs help us efficiently and equitably distribute donations to students across dozens of neighbourhoods, getting the right supplies to the right kids, right on time.

Our collaborative approach with local partners ensures that funds are maximized for impact, resources are shared, and every donation stretches further to serve more children. Your generosity helps remove barriers, uplift students, and build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

For more information, check out our website.