Over 112,000 children were living in low-income families in Finland before the coronavirus pandemic began last year. The situation has been worsened by the pandemic. So it is even more important to ‘level the school playing field’ for children and youngsters: even small gestures can create important experiences.
The Backpack for Every Back Campaign supports children in families with limited means as the school year begins. The idea is to ensure that as many children as possible receive their first backpack at the start of their path through school. Backpacks are also needed for older children and youngsters.
Collection will begin on Monday 12 July and end on Friday 30 July. In the Backpack for Every Back Campaign, anyone can donate a backpack or pencil case to a schoolchild. Donated items can be delivered during normal opening hours to any OP branch or Pohjola Hospital taking part in the campaign. At the donation points, donors may also write a small personal message for the recipient on a card placed inside the backpack. The relevant OP cooperative bank will deliver the backpacks to Hope ry’s local team, which will sort the donations in early August and distribute them directly to school beginners and pupils returning from holiday.
Backpack collection first began in 2017. Almost 3,800 backpacks were donated around Finland last year. Hope ry has the important goal of providing all children with an equal chance to thrive in everyday life. OP Financial Group also promotes equal opportunities across Finland.
Check the information and opening hours of your local collection point at op.fi/reppukerays.