It’s Back to School time and for many families in our communities it is a very stressful event. Children and youth need more and more supplies to bring to the classroom, and in a community with rising income inequality the squeeze is very real.

Each year, CUPE 503 hosts a golf tournament for 164 members and retirees in August. This year $10.00 from every golfer’s registration was directed to the Back to School Backpack Program at Debra Dynes Family House. Executive Director Barbara Carroll says this donation could not have come at a better time given the overwhelming need in her community. The combination of supplies as well as a financial donation are needed to fill-in the gaps.

Programs such as the Backpack Program have become part of our social infrastructure as a result of the chronic underfunding of programs and services and increased reliance on charity rather than adequate social assistance, programs and services.

CUPE 503 members work every day in communities delivering services that help mitigate income inequality in Social Services, Healthcare, Housing Programs and Child Care. Investment in these programs and services are desperately needed to make a real difference in Ontario.