United Way Bruce Grey has brought in Afreen Rahman as its new Coordinator of the Backpack Program.
“I was interested in this position because it gives me a chance to get out in the community and help out as much as I can,” says Rahman. “I’m looking forward to connecting with families, volunteers, schools and community partners to make sure every child has the tools they need to succeed.”
The United Way Backpack Program has become one of the organization’s signature initiatives, helping thousands of students each year start school with dignity and confidence.
“I had a teacher come up to me one year say ‘you took the bullying out of my classroom with this program’ and that means the world to us.” says Executive Director of United Way Bruce Grey Francesca Dobbyn.
Each backpack is filled with grade-appropriate school supplies, ensuring students are ready to learn from the very first day of class. Last year, the program distributed more than 2,300 backpacks.
“Everybody starts that first day of school with a brand new crayola products, all the pens they need, all the pencils they need, Nobody is sitting there with nothing,” says Dobbyn. “They have what they can start to learn with.”
Registration for the 2026 backpack program is now open for eligible families throughout Bruce and Grey counties until Aug. 24.