A long line formed outside PAGC Urban Services in downtown Prince Albert Wednesday as students waited to receive a backpack full of back-to-school essentials. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW)

By paNOW Staff

PAGC Urban Services supplies 1,500 kids with back-to-school essentials

Aug 27, 2025 | 4:35 PM

They may have sweltered in the heat, but hundreds of people who stood in line outside of the Prince Albert Grand (PAGC) Council Urban Service building got a fresh new start and look for the school year.

They waited for one of the 1,500 backpacks the PAGC handed out as part of its annual back to school event, which also included free haircuts and a barbecue.

“This event is about giving our children a strong start as they return to the classroom,” said PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte. “We know the financial strain many families face, and this is one way PAGC can provide support and encouragement for students to succeed.”

Each backpack was filled with supplies based on local school lists. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

Each backpack was loaded with back to school essentials based off of local school supply lists; pencils, markers, pencil crayons, glue, notebooks, rulers, etc. were all provided. The event was open to low-income families, regardless of their background. This was the third year Crystal Dillon attended the event and said the free school supplies make a big difference.

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

“With the increase of expenses on everything…oh my gosh, even groceries. We tried to add up school supplies from the store and it was expensive, so this is really worth having. It’s awesome and I’m very thankful,” she said.

Rochelle Lennox lined up with her son and daughter in the 31 C weather, but said the wait was worthwhile.

“I’m paycheque to paycheque. I work, but depending on my hours I don’t always get the right amount to pay bills off or groceries, so this is really helpful,” Lennox told paNOW.

Recent surveys show Canadians expect to pay more than $700 per student for back to school costs including clothes and school fees.

About six hairstylists offered their services for free during the event. Cassie Caisse from Little Red was one of them. She has six children of her own and understands the burden of back-to-school costs.

“I think it’s really good that they’re helping people from every culture and background. I’m happy for all the parents who are doing this for their kids. It’s good to get their kids back to school, and it’s great to see them so excited about it,” Caisse said.

Cassie Caisse volunteered her hairstyling services at the event so students could receive free haircuts just in time for the new school year. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

This is the tenth year PAGC Urban Services have provided the full backpacks to the public. Labour force development coordinator Melissa Ahenakew said the Grand Council covered the majority of the school supply costs but donations and sponsorships were also provided by Superstore – Loblaws, Arctic Beverages, and Value Lots in Prince Albert, The Giving Tree and Food Hub in Leamington, Ont. and Bics corporate.

Vincent Brittain is the new director of Urban Services. He said seeing different departments within the PAGC and Urban Services come together along with community volunteers like city councillor Danny Brown, the Downtown Business Improvement District, Prince Albert Police Service, Victim Services, and YWCA is inspiring for those involved in making the event happen, but also for the families.

“The excitement for them going to class, pulling out their material and saying ‘Look what I got’, and putting their names on it – the excitement is what we like to see,” Brittain said.

“And, ensuring that families are feeling supported in any way possible and those little smiles on those kids’ faces when they get to school and start their educational journey.”

–

—

panews@pattisonmedia.com