Grace Broadley is 12 years old and in grade 6 at Fern Hill School in Oakville, Ontario. Grace has big ideas and a big heart and is always ready to help when an event needs to be organized.

In September 2010, Grace and some of her friends from school attended We Day in Toronto. They heard many speakers and listened as the ‘Me to We’ team shared personal experiences and explained their motto: ‘it only takes one small act to make a difference’.

Grace and her friends came away from We Day with the inspiration to organize something that would give back to the community in some way. So, when Grace heard about Blessings in a Backpack and their mission – to feed hungry kids on weekends – she was immediately inspired. So, with the help of her friend Atiya who is 11 years old and also in grade 6 and Ashlan who is 9 years old and in grade 3, Grace started to organize a Backpack Raiser in support of Blessings in Backpack. First things first, they needed permission from the Junior Head of School and from the teacher who coordinates school fundraisers. They both said ‘yes’ and the girls got to work.

The girls made announcements at daily school assemblies and made posters. As well, the school sent an email to parents about the Backpack Raiser. Then, during the Raiser, the girls located themselves in the front foyer every morning and afternoon as a reminder to students.

In the end, the Backpack Raiser was a GIANT SUCCESS! Grace and her friends raised over 150 backpacks! Way to go Grace, Atiya, and Ashlan and many thanks to Fern Hill School!

Click here to read the rest of the article on the National Post.

Starting April 1st 2011, U of T Bookstore partners with Blessings in a Backpack to collect used backpacks for a 10% discount on items in the bookstore.