By RAY SPITERI Niagara Falls Review Updated 5 hours ago
The Canadian economy is getting a boost from an unexpected source.
The average family plans to spend $319 on their back-to-school budget, according to a recent study from the Bank of Montreal.
Leger Marketing polled more than 1,500 adults and found the bulk of pre-Labour Day spending will go towards clothing and shoes -- between $210 and $260 -- while another $25 to $40 will pay for classroom supplies such as pens and binders.
Gadgets such as laptops and printers were not included in the back-to-school budgets and could tack on another $800 or more for families.
The back-to-school retail season, from late August until early September, is considered the second busiest shopping period of the year -- only behind Christmas.
I also think, when you look at school lists, schools are asking for more things than in the past.
In one instance, I saw a list that mentioned a USB drive this year that was never on the list before.
But while there are many families and students forking out hundreds of dollars, there are also hundreds of people, including in Niagara Falls, looking for help.
"We could realistically see 500 kids looking for back-to-school supplies," said Laura Humphreys, family-services co-ordinator for the Salvation Army in Niagara Falls.
"We've already seen more than 200 families come in to see us, or call us."
At least a couple businesses in the city have stepped up to help those in need.
Staples is providing some school supplies to the Salvation Army, while customers at Giant Tiger are being asked if they want to round up their bill to the nearest dollar, with that money helping to pay for school supplies to fill backpacks.
The backpacks will be donated to charitable groups who will distribute them to families who have been asking for assistance.
"For example, if someone's bill was $20.32, we're asking that customer if they want to round up to the nearest dollar, which means the customer would donate 68 cents (to the program)," said Giant Tiger owner Chris McEachern.
The program is running until Monday, the day before the start of school.
"We've already collected more than $1,500 and we're hoping to go over $2,000, which should support at least 100 kids," said McEachern, who owns the store on Thorold Stone Rd.
Humphreys said the unsteady economy is one reason why so many families in the city are looking to the Salvation Army for back-to-school supplies.
"I also think, when you look at school lists, schools are asking for more things than in the past," she said.
"In one instance, I saw a list that mentioned a USB drive this year that was never on the list before.
"The list has grown and our economy is not that great. Those are some of the reasons, in my opinion, why people need help."
She said the non-profit agency is collecting school supplies for students from grades 1 to 12.
Depending on the grade and the school, Humphreys said some of the lists she has seen have been quite strict, requesting soft pencil cases, as opposed to hard ones.
Humphreys said the public can donate backpacks, pencils, crayons, binders and other school supplies to the Salvation Army. People can call the agency at 905-354-2834, or visit the Army at 5720 Dorchester Rd.
She said the organization will be collecting school supplies until the end of September.
"The great need is backpacks, but we're grateful for anything."
Warren Hoshizaki, director of education for the District School Board of Niagara, said: "We provide the regular resources students need to complete their education.
"The school has minimal supplies, but most kids bring in more of that," he said.
"We've got good partners at the board, too. We received 300 backpacks from Costco. The United Way and the union provide support to get backpacks out to schools, as well as pencils and work books."
John Crocco, director of education for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, said basic supplies, such as pens, pencils, erasers and glue sticks, are provided in classrooms.
"Some parents, though, like their children to have their own sets of things," said Crocco, adding the board's teacher's association and the United Way also help distribute supplies to children.
"We have items readily available at our schools.
"Our staff just recommend to families certain items that can further benefit their child's school experience."
He said during physical education classes, for example, staff recommend children have an extra pair of shorts and a shirt.
"Some kids do and some kids don't. It varies from family to family. But we will never leave a child behind when it comes to necessary supplies."
* Develop a budget before going shopping.
* Keep track of spending and shop for discounts.
* Set up RESPs for children.
* A four-year degree can cost as much as $60,000.
* A child born in 2011 will pay an estimated $140,000 for a four-year university education.
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