Supporting Students through ‘Pack the Back to School’ Initiatives
Students and schools within Central Newfoundland got a little extra support in kicking off their back-to-school journey this year thanks to Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services’ Paramedicine and Medical Transport team.
Much like past endeavours such as Pack the Back – an annual food and toy drive to support families in need during the holidays – members within the Central Zone envisioned an event that would support students and prepare them for the school year ahead.
Members of NL Health Services’ Paramedicine and Medical Transport team held a ‘Pack the Back to School’ drive in La Scie on August 16, 2024. L-R: Sherry Benoit, district operations manager of Paramedicine and Medical Transport – Central Zone; Leeann Matthews, emergency medical responder; Tanya Dyer, primary care paramedic, and Chance Maloney, primary care paramedic.
In reaching out to area schools, the Paramedicine and Medical Transport team was able to identify a need for school supplies and food items for the school breakfast programs, leading to the formation of the first ever ‘Pack the Back to School’ event for Central Zone in La Scie on August 16, 2024. The concept was so well received that a second event was planned for Buchans on August 30, 2024.
Incredible community response
After spreading the word about this new initiative, the response from the community was immediate as residents generously supported both events. Donations of pencils, erasers, binders, exercise books, boxed cereals, granola bars, crackers, and so much more was received to pack the back of NL Health Services’ emergency vehicles. The donations were then dropped off to area schools – Hillside Elementary and Cape John Collegiate in La Scie, and Lakeside Academy, in Buchans.
The Paramedicine and Medical Transport team in Central Newfoundland could not have been happier with the outcome.
“This event was a hit and we are still accepting donations daily,” said Tanya Dyer, primary care paramedic in La Scie. “A lot of students have already availed of the supplies.”
School supplies and food items donated during the ‘Pack the Back to School’ event in La Scie on August 16, 2024, were shared between area schools Hillside Elementary and Cape John Collegiate.
The incredible public support has had a lasting impact on staff as well.
“Our team is always ready to champion a worthy cause, and we were delighted to be able to establish an event that supports a positive start to the school year and continued education,” said Morgan Henstridge, regional manager of Paramedicine and Medical Transport. “This could not have been possible without the positive community response that we received. We thank the public and our partnering schools for their support.”
The efforts of the team to support student wellness have not gone unnoticed.
“I’d like to commend the NL Health Services’ Paramedicine and Medical Transport team within the Central Zone for their efforts to support students as they go back to school. It is a clear example of how partners can help support the education and well-being of our province’s youth,” said the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education. “Initiatives like ‘Pack the Back to School’ help set a positive foundation for a great school year for children, youth, and their families.”
Members of NL Health Services’ Paramedicine and Medical Transport team in Buchans held a ‘Pack the Back to School’ drive in Buchans on August 30, 2024. Following the event, the donated school supplies and food items were dropped off at Lakeside Academy, in Buchans. Pictured, from the left, are Robyn Chippett, advanced care paramedic, Stephen Hiscock, primary care paramedic, and Dale Piercey, primary care paramedic.
NL Health Services’ Paramedicine and Medical Transport staff deliver quality care and lifesaving services to patients on a daily basis. This latest initiative to promote wellness and education is but another reflection of their commitment and willingness to support the communities they serve.