OSEG Foundation Backpack Program
Help Give them a head start
What is the Backpack Campaign?
Through the REDBLACKS Back to School Initiative, the OSEG Foundation ensures that children across Ottawa start the school year with the tools they need to thrive. With your support, we will provide over 275 backpacks filled with school supplies, lunch kits, and learning materials to local kids in need.
Why It Matters
Many families in our community face financial hardships that make back-to-school season stressful. This campaign helps remove barriers to learning by providing essential resources that boost student confidence and preparedness.
Adding to the pressure this year
Rising tariffs on everyday school items: From backpacks and lunchboxes to pencils and glue sticks—they are projected to cause a 12–15% increase in back-to-school prices, with even higher spikes in electronics and apparel. Your donation now is more important than ever: It ensures students get what they need most when affordability is stretched the farthest.
We partner with local schools and community organizations to ensure every backpack reaches a child who truly needs it. Donate now and give the gift of readiness
2025 Update
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we surpassed our target and raised $35,939 and filled over 275 backpacks for kids in Ottawa headed back to school this Fall – thank you!
This work is not possible without your support and we are grateful that you extended your generosity to include this important initiative. This milestone means we’ll be able to have an even bigger impact, both now and in the future.
You can still learn more and support the work of the OSEG Foundation. VisitOSEG Foundation
OSEG Foundation Backpack Program Testimonials
The backpacks are lovely and such great quality to help the kids start off the school year strong. We really appreciate you considering Nepean Housing families as part of your generous giving this year and I hope we can work together again in the future.
Nepean Community Housing
This is brilliant and exciting news for us ❤️ We are so thankful for this donation again this year!
Morrison Gardens
Thank you so much for coming out to the Vanier BIA’s back to school event on Friday. Big Joe and the players brought such a fun vibe to the event and I can imagine the 35 kids who are starting their school year with this beautiful Red Blacks backpacks – this will get them to a good start! Thank you for your support and all your initiatives to support the kids and youth of our community.
Vanier Community Service Centre / Vanier BIA
This is AMAZING! And so appreciated!!!! Thank you so much again for the generous donation!
– Carling Family Shelter
Congratulations on a successful event! It’s wonderful to confirm the funds towards our Pack a Sack program. We doubled the number of backpacks that were distributed this year to meet the growing needs in OCH communities. I expect that our many partners were also very grateful for the backpacks that your team was able to provide.
OCH Foundation
Thank you very much for your support. It is indeed meaningful and valuable with the high cost of basic needs and ongoing challenges for the families we serve. A huge thank you to you and the Ottawa REDBLACKS athletes! The backpacks filled with school supplies will help the 16 children and youth to go back to school with a smile as they have the materials needed to succeed.
Carsons Community House
This is wonderful news indeed. Thank you so much for your support to our youth members. Imagine how excited they will be when we take them out to pick from. Thank you so much, we look forward to receiving them. Your support is greatly appreciated.
The Door Youth Centre
I just wanted to reach out and thank you again for the backpacks. They were much appreciated by our team and clients. Thank you for helping to make the day a success and I look forward to opportunities to collaborate in the future!
Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families