Back-to-school costs add up for Battlefords families

Families across Saskatchewan are preparing for the upcoming school year, but filling a backpack with everything a student needs can come with a hefty price tag.

Based on prices at a typical big-box store, school supplies for a Grade 3 student in the Battlefords could cost about $200, while supplies for a Grade 8 student could top $350.

“A lot of people don’t realize how much that adds up,” said Chelsey Gladue, a North Battleford mother of six. “If a family is living on assistance, they have to use a lot of their child tax benefit to cover the remainder of their rent and then their bills and groceries and then anything else their kids may need. There are a lot of families in our community that struggle with that.”

Seeing that financial pressure led Gladue to start a community school supply drive last year. She collected about $1,000 worth of donations. Gladue heard from a number of families who thanked her for recognizing the need in the community. She said some recipients only needed a few items or a binder, but everyone appreciated the help.