Our Mission

Our mission is to assist Vancouver's unhoused and at–risk-youth. We do this in two ways: 1) through our community-based Project Backpack campaign (“PBP”) and, 2) through the H.E.L.P. Bursary Fund. 

About H.E.L.P. for Youth Canada Society

Project Backpack is a community-based educational initiative that helps Vancouver unhoused youth survive on the street, through the collection and distribution of backpacks stuffed with essential items.

PBP donates new backpacks which are then filled by donors. The packs are donated to youth shelters for distribution.

Now in its 19^th year, PBP works closely with schools and businesses to educate the community about the unhoused youth issue in Vancouver. Informative presentations are given to schools & businesses, where social/case workers, along with a HYC member, address the real questions as to why youth end up on the street, and how the act of stuffing a backpack can make a difference.

The H.E.L.P. Bursary Fund gives at-risk youth the chance at a better life. We believe that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves the chance to obtain an education, leading to a good job and a path out of poverty. We achieve this by working closely with local youth agencies who recommend motivated, school-ready youth for our bursaries. Together, as a team, we work to provide wrap-around care to ensure each bursary youth stands the best chance of success.

The fund offers full & partial tuition to those who qualify, and all youth who partner with HYC must work with a HYC mentor &/or social worker.