Oshawa firefighters are collecting backpacks and school supplies on July 11, 2026, to help local students get ready for the upcoming school year. The drive happens from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walmart Supercentre at 1471 Harmony Road North in North Oshawa.
The collection is part of Operation Backpack, a regional effort that gave out over 6,000 backpacks to kids across Durham Region last year. Six local groups work together on the program: Simcoe Hall Settlement House, Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, Durham Community Health Centre, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation, St. Andrew’s Community Food Bank and United Way of Durham Region.
The Oshawa Professional Fire Fighters Association is again collecting supplies for Simcoe Hall, after first partnering in August 2025. Association President Peter Dyson said when the partnership began that teaming up on the program was really important.
Donations will support children from junior kindergarten through Grade 12 in Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington and nearby communities. Organizers hope to reach even more students than last year.
