Getting Ready for School The school year may have just finished, but Byron resident Christine Crunican is already looking ahead to the next one. Christine helps coordinate the Backpack Drive, an initiative that ensures every student starts school with the essential supplies needed to succeed, especially for families facing financial challenges. In its 10th year, the Backpack Drive was founded by Traci Cummings, who recognized that not every child had what they needed for the new school year. Her team includes Sue Amaral, Charys Martin, Leslie Hack, and Christine. Together, they raise awareness and collect supplies to fill as many backpacks as they can. Completed backpacks are distributed based on need through local school boards, including the London District Catholic School Board, Thames Valley District School Board, and the French-language boards, CS Viamonde and CSC Providence. Last year, the initiative collected 805 fully stocked backpacks, along with thousands of individual school supplies. “It was our biggest year yet,” says Christine. “And this year, our goal is 1,000 backpacks.” For Christine, what started as an opportunity to teach her kids the importance of giving back has grown into a shared commitment to help ensure every child starts the school year with confidence and dignity. To that end, the Backpack Drive has received tremendous community support from all over London; however, Byron holds a special place in Christine’s heart.
“The people here are very kind, generous, and always willing to lend a hand. They truly look out for one another, and that spirit is a big part of what makes the Backpack drive so special each year.” The team will collect donations until August 20. People can donate full backpacks or individual school supplies. All items must be new to ensure quality and consistency for the students receiving them. Anyone preferring to donate money can send an e-transfer to londonbackpackdrive@gmail.com and the team will purchase supplies. If the donor wishes, they can receive a photo of the purchases and the receipt to see how their contribution was used. The Backpack Drive is not a registered charity and cannot issue tax receipts. For more information, to request a supply list, or to coordinate a pickup or drop-off, email londonbackpackdrive@gmail.com.
grand THEATRE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, RACHEL PEAKE
GRAND THEATRE HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT PRODUCTION OF
Season Sponsor
SEPT 17 27 to on the Spriet Stage
downtown community partner
519.672.8800 471 richmond st london, on grandtheatre.com
title sponsor youth program sponsors
Page 14 Byron Villager July/Aug 2025
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