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A homeless man wearing a backpack filled with the essentials
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Help  Us  Fill  a  Backpack for the Homeless
Aidez-nous à Remplir un Sac à Dos

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Let's give the essentials

 

Donnons les nécessités

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Our  Mission

"Empowering Lives, One Backpack at a Time"

We're dedicated to bringing positive change to the lives of homeless individuals by providing them with backpacks filled with clothing and vital items like toiletries. Our mission is to restore dignity, foster hope, and build connections within communities. Through compassion and support, we aspire to create a world where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access necessities and embrace a brighter future. Join us in sowing the seeds of change and empowerment—one backpack at a time.

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2025 Campaign is under way!

(Novenber 2nd to December 21st)

🎒 **Join Our Backpacks for the Homeless Campaign!** 🎒

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As the holiday season approaches, let's come together as a community to bring hope and warmth to those experiencing homelessness. Starting November 2nd, we invite you to participate in our Backpacks for the Homeless campaign. Visit any of our designated pick-up/drop-off locations to collect one or more backpacks, each containing a list of essential items. Simply go shopping for these items, fill the backpacks, and return them to the same location. Your kindness will make a world of difference to someone in need this Christmas.

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In addition to donating items, we also welcome monetary contributions to support this cause. Every donation, big or small, helps us reach more individuals and spread more joy. Together, let's make this holiday season a little brighter for those who might otherwise spend it alone. Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Let's make a difference together!

2 Ways to Help Us

1.Starting November 2, 2025, pick up a backpack from one of our pickup/drop-off locations and fill it with the list of items required. 

2.Click on our "DONATE" button and make a donation and you will receive you charitable tax receipt instantly!

Our Sponsors & Partners

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Logo for The Shepherds of Good Hope
Logo for The Ottawa Mission
Logo for Ottawa Inner-City Ministries
Logo For Salvation Army Booth Centre
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Who We Help

“Hundreds of our clients here at The Ottawa Mission have been incredibly fortunate to receive Backpacks for the Homeless over the past several years filled with so many essential items to make their lives a little easier. This very generous gift is especially meaningful at Christmastime for our clients: it lets them know that there are people in our community who care about them and want to support them. Backpacks for the Homeless has added to this kindness through $5 Tim’s cards to our clients to provide them with warm treats in cold weather. We’re very grateful to receive this support each year – thank you so much.”

Peter Tilley, President & CEO

The Ottawa Mission

How To Fill A Backpack

  1. Print out or save the list of items.

  2. Visit one of our pickup/drop off locations listed below for a backpack.

  3. Don’t forget your shopping list, now it’s time to go shopping  

  4. Fill the backpack with the items from the list.

  5. Drop off your filled backpack at one of our drop off locations below.

  6. If you have any questions please drop us a line on Facebook or an email through our contact page.

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Pick-Up/Drop-off Locations

Thank you to the following businesses for supporting Backpacks for the Homeless by being a pick-up/drop-off location:
 
Giant Tiger Orleans - 900 Watters Rd, Orléans, ON K4A 0B4
Giant Tiger St-Laurent - 1021 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1K 3B1
Giant Tiger Stittsville - 6081 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 1B9
Giant Tiger Bells Corners - 1861 Robertson Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 9N5
Moose Mcguire's Orleans - 4025 Innes Rd, Orléans, ON K1C 6V3
SonxPlus Technologies Rockland - 1644 Laurier St, Rockland, ON, K4K-1K3
G.A.B's Rockland​ - 1039 Laurier St, Rockland, ON, K4K-1K3

GIVE TODAY TO HELP US DO MORE!

Pick-up/Drop-off Locations

Click here to view the list.

Connect  with  us

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Registered Charity St. Faustina Parish - BN: 128967353RR0044

LEGAL

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Backpacks for the Homeless is committed to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and making a positive impact in their lives. We strive to be transparent and responsible in our fundraising and outreach efforts. However, it is important to note the following disclaimers and understand our organization's limitations:

Financial Transparency: While we make every effort to allocate donations efficiently, we cannot guarantee that 100% of your donation will go directly to homeless individuals. We do have operational costs, including administrative expenses and outreach efforts, which may be funded through donations.


Volunteer-Based: Our organization heavily relies on volunteers, and we may not always be able to provide services or distribute backpacks consistently due to volunteer availability and external factors such as weather conditions or local regulations.

Privacy: We respect the privacy and dignity of the homeless individuals we serve. We do not disclose personal information or share images without their consent. Some individuals may prefer to remain anonymous. 

Accountability: We are committed to using donations responsibly and effectively. If you have any questions or concerns about our operations or how your donation is being used, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are open to feedback and accountability. 

By donating to Backpacks for the Homeless, you acknowledge and accept these disclaimers. We appreciate your support in our mission to provide aid and comfort to homeless individuals, and we remain dedicated to making a positive difference in their lives.

If you have any questions or require further information about our organization or operations, please contact Ron Pitre, Founder/Director,  at give@rogers.com.  

Thank you for your generosity and compassion.

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