Teamwork was on full display as Mayor Alex Nuttall and dozens of volunteers helped distribute 8,600 backpacks filled with school supplies to children across Barrie and Ontario.
The effort was part of the 15th annual PIE Education backpack campaign, which began in 2010 with 800 backpacks handed out in Barrie. This year, upwards of 70 volunteers helped stuff and distribute the bags, reaching communities including Toronto, Sudbury, Brantford, Newmarket, Woodstock, Manitoulin Island and Ottawa.
“With the rising cost of living, many families are struggling to afford basic school supplies,” Nuttall said.
“This campaign is about giving every child the chance to succeed. We’re proud to work alongside our partners and volunteers to make sure no student is left behind.”
For Barrie resident Tanya Bailey, the campaign is also about teaching her children the value of giving back. After volunteering in 2024, she returned this year with her young daughters at her side.
“This is all about community,” Bailey said
“Growing up, my family wasn’t rich, and we struggled. So, anything I can do to help kids, I’ll help – this is close to my heart.”
The program, co-founded by Nuttall and Craig Russell, owner of PIE Wood Fire Pizza Joint, has grown into a province-wide initiative supporting students in government-subsidized housing and low-income households.
In 2024, 7,500 backpacks were distributed. This year’s effort was made possible through partnerships with the John Tavares Foundation, Progress for Mental Health, the County of Simcoe, Empower Simcoe, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, Ontario Works, CMHA and others.
