The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer Helping to reduce the stress level on both parents and students, RBC has donated $10,000 to the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre for new school supplies. After working with the schools in both Flin Flon and Creighton, the centre was able to identify roughly 200 students in need of the supplies. Through the RBC Royal Eagles Backpack Program, RBC made the donation last Wednesday afternoon to the Friendship Centre's Shelley Craig. 'Partner' "RBC approached the National Aboriginal Centre looking to partner with a program," said Craig. "In Manitoba, Flin Flon was selected as a potential site." Craig contacted the schools and was able to project the need for roughly 200 backpacks, helping those between the ages of five and 17. Though school doesn't start in Creighton until Aug. 29 and in Flin Flon until Sept. 7, the shopping has already begun for the school supplies. "...we don't want families to start purchasing (school supplies) when they can focus on clothes, new running shoes and other things," said Craig. "We can assist with the pencils, crayons, math sets and the other goods." Donations will be given to the families in backpacks, which they also get to keep. Craig says this is a valuable first-time program for Flin Flon and area. 'Quite shocked' "I was quite shocked when we got the call with the amount," she said. "It's a good program." Not only does the program take away stress from parents, it will of course benefit the students as well. "... for students to start the year off on a good foot and even keel, it's a good start to learning," said Craig. The program ensures each backpack contains the following items: blue pens; red pens; pencils; pencil sharpener; pencil crayons; pencil case; markers; highlighters; bottle glue; glue stick; crayons; ruler; scissors; white erasers; Hilroy notebooks; duo tangs; loose-leaf paper.
