Angels with Backpacks: Empowering Our Community through Compassion

The holiday season often resonates with warmth, family, and generosity. But for some, it can be a reminder of the lack of basic necessities and comforts. This realization fueled a passionate initiative at Lakefield College School, one that echoes the spirit of giving and compassion.

Rupert ’26, a Grade 10 student at LCS, was inspired by a childhood memory that left a lasting impact on him. He recalls, "When I was younger, our church in Ottawa had a charity drive called Angels with Backpacks. My family and I would shop for supplies for recipients, helping them face the harsh cold Canadian winters. It was an eye-opening experience for me."

Carrying this sentiment, Rupert ’26 harboured a desire to initiate a similar program at LCS. "Starting this initiative would remind us how fortunate we are and how we could directly help those who are not," he shared.

Thus, the Angels with Backpacks initiative was born. The primary goal: donate backpacks filled with gifts to the youth residing in the Yes Shelter in Peterborough in time for Christmas.

The Yes Shelter, catering to youth aged 16-24, provides support, guidance, and a safe space for young individuals experiencing homelessness or facing challenges. Rupert ’26 reached out to Brooke Erickson, the fundraising and communications manager at the shelter, who welcomed the idea with open arms. The collaboration resulted in a detailed wishlist for each resident, ensuring that their specific needs were addressed.

The LCS community rallied behind the cause, contributing through various avenues. The Dance Showcase drink sales and support from the Grove Goodies team kickstarted the initiative, funding the purchase of backpacks and raising funds for gifts. Ms. Heeney's generous offer to allocate candy gram proceeds for the cause further propelled the initiative forward.

Beyond mere donations, students engaged in personalizing each backpack, inscribing heartfelt messages for the recipients to further foster a sense of connection and care.

Rupert's vision for the initiative is twofold. Firstly, to make young individuals without a safe home feel valued and remembered during the holidays. Secondly, to bridge the gap between the LCS community and the local realities faced by those just minutes away.

"I’m hoping to connect our caring LCS community to a cause that’s so direct and connected to our age group but so distant at the same time," Rupert expressed.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond material donations. It serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and the significance of communal support. Rupert envisions this becoming an annual tradition at LCS, a recurring effort to extend a helping hand during the holiday season.

The Angels with Backpacks initiative at LCS embodies the spirit of compassion and community engagement, demonstrating that small gestures can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Here's to a future where empathy and generosity continue to shape our community, fostering a spirit of care and support for those in need.