Sun Youth’s Montreal back-to-school event helps families face rising costs
Posted August 9, 2025 5:12 pm.
Last Updated August 9, 2025 6:08 pm.
As the new school year approaches, hundreds of Montreal children are heading into class with new backpacks and school supplies, thanks to Sun Youth’s annual Back-to-School Party.
Held over the weekend, the event provided essential school items to 1,000 children while also creating a joyful space with games, music, and activities for families.
More than just a giveaway, the initiative aimed to ease financial stress and send a message to local youth: you are supported, valued, and capable of success.
“This ties in perfectly with our mission — getting kids ready for school on the same feet as everybody else,” said Ann St-Arnaud, Director of Communications at Sun Youth. “We’re giving out school supplies to kids in elementary school and high school. A thousand bags that we’re giving this weekend.”
A tough year for families
With the cost of living continuing to rise, many families are struggling to afford back-to-school basics.
“These have been really tough years for families, for everybody, in fact, with inflation going up every year,” said St-Arnaud. “What we’re giving here today is all new — it’s all brand new, it’s all purchased.
“Every year, it’s getting more and more difficult to get as many things to give out with the same budget.”
She emphasized that Sun Youth only distributes new items so children can head into class with pride. “Everything that we do is to make sure that these kids have a great future. And it starts at a really young age — it starts with being happy to go to school.”
Jorgen Ulloa-Aguilar, Sun Youth’s Director of Emergency Services, said the event has become more than just a supply drop-off.
“This year, we decided to do a weekend… to give a chance for the kids to actually come and see the school supplies that they’re getting,” he said. “This way, it became more of a festive event — something more positive for the kids to see.”
For the children, it’s more than a backpack
The organization says each backpack is packed with everything students need, based on school lists — including binders, paper, pens, and erasers.
The event left a big impression on families like Lilian Lopez and her daughters.
“I come out today because this is a wonderful organization that every year they’ve been helping me with the kids, with the school supplies,” said Lopez. “Because unfortunately, everything has become a bit expensive. So it’s an amazing experience. I love Sun Youth.”
Her daughter Victoria, who is going into Grade 2, said she felt “good” about getting new supplies. When asked what she’s most excited about at school, she smiled and said, “I want my friends to be in my class.”
Her older sister Diana, heading into Grade 6, said getting new things makes going back to school “exciting.” Her favourite subjects? “Reading and dance.”
A bigger message: you belong here
St-Arnaud said the event also connects families with other Sun Youth services — including food aid, sports, and recreation — all aimed at supporting children’s development and school perseverance.
“We are a very big family, and we want to welcome new people in our family, in our fold,” she said.
That sense of belonging, Ulloa-Aguilar added, can be life-changing.
“It reminds me as a kid, when you open your bag and you get to smell the new products. You open the Sharpie and you smell it. And then you have the erasers, right? There’s nothing like a feeling like that,” he said. “The fact that they could go in and trade their pencils, trade their pens, to me is a big win.”
He said it’s about more than material help — it’s about self-worth.
“Feeling that, you know what, times are tough — even for the parents — but we deserve to get the education. We deserve to have the same chance as every other child in Montreal.”
Donations and volunteers always welcome
While this year’s event was a success, both Ulloa-Aguilar and St-Arnaud said the need is growing — and donations of new school supplies, or financial contributions, are always appreciated.
“Honestly, I’ve been here for two to three years now. I’ve changed as a person,” said Ulloa-Aguilar. “If you want to give a helping hand, it’s going to change not only the families, but yourself as well.”
