My name is Vanessa, and I believe every child deserves the chance to dream big and discover what they can become. But for many families, financial difficulties mean even basic school supplies are out of reach.
I grew up in a household where education was deeply valued. I had the opportunity to attend both public and private schools, and I experienced firsthand how different the learning conditions could be.
In public school, I remember sharing a classroom with 40 or more students. Books and supplies were limited, and it wasn’t always easy to concentrate or get the support we needed. Those experiences stayed with me—and inspired me to help the next generation.
That is why I’m organizing a small donation project with a goal close to my heart: to provide every student at Tabay Elementary School with a school bag and basic supplies for the start of the school year.
Located in Barangay Patria, Pandan, Antique, in the Philippines, Tabay Elementary School serves 71 children in Kindergarten and Grade 1. These young learners, around five to seven years old, come from a rural community where buying school essentials can put a strain on a family’s budget.
Together, we can help ease that burden and give these children a little more confidence and excitement as they begin school.
If you’re able, please consider donating or sharing this project. Every contribution brings us closer to equipping all 71 children.
71 children. 71 school bags. A community of big dreams—and no child left out.
What your donation will do
Every donation, big or small, will help buy:
- Clear backpacks (I have already bought the first 30 myself — 41 more to go!)
- Beginner pencils, crayons, erasers, and sharpeners
- Writing pads and notebooks for Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners
- Other basic school supplies their teachers say they need most
The supplies will be sent from Canada to the Philippines in balikbayan boxes, arriving around May 2027, just before classes open in June 2027. My aunt, who lives near Pandan, will receive the boxes and help deliver the backpacks to the school.
Leave your name and a message for a child
This is my favourite part of this project.
When you donate, please leave your name and a short message in the comment — a few kind words of encouragement for a child starting school.
I will write/print your name and message on a card and place it inside a child's backpack. Because the backpacks are clear, your card will be right there for the child (and their family) to see.
Examples:
- "Good luck on your first day! — From Sarah in Toronto"
- "Study hard and dream big! We are cheering for you. — The Santos Family"
- "You are smart, kind, and capable. Have a great school year!"
If we receive more messages than backpacks, or if some backpacks do not have a donor, do not worry — every one of the 71 children will receive a full backpack, no matter what.
You can help with as little as $2
- $2 — helps toward filling one child's backpack
- $10 — helps 5 children
- $20 — helps 10 children
- Any amount — helps us buy backpacks, supplies, and pay for shipping the boxes to Antique
Where the money goes
Donations will be used for:
- The remaining 41 clear backpacks
- School supplies for all 71 students
- Balikbayan box shipping from Canada to Pandan, Antique, Philippines
- Packing and printing materials for the donor cards
I will post updates and photos on this page — when we finish shopping, when we pack the boxes, when they are shipped, and when the children receive their backpacks.
The children will receive their backpacks as they start school in June, around my birthday on June 11 — the best birthday gift I could ask for.
Thank you
Thank you for helping a child you've never met start school feeling prepared, proud, and remembered. Even sharing this page with a friend helps.
— Vanessa
