Back-to-School Support
Every year, hundreds of children receive the support they need to begin the school year ready to learn, grow, and succeed.
Why This Support Makes All the Difference
Back-to-school season represents a significant expense for many families.
School supplies, backpacks, clothing, shoes, and specialized materials: these costs can become a barrier to a child’s educational success.
Our mission is to provide meaningful support so that every child can start the school year with confidence and focus on what truly matters: learning, growing, and reaching their full potential.
What does the assistance include?
As part of Operation School Perseverance (Opération Bonne Mine), the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Montreal (SSVPM) provides $50 in financial assistance for each school-aged child between the ages of 4 and 18. This support is offered in the form of a voucher to help families cover back-to-school expenses.
The vouchers are distributed through the various SSVPM service points (conferences).
Beginning in 2026, paper vouchers will be issued only to students attending schools within the Pointe-de-l’Île School Service Centre and the following English-language school boards:
- English Montreal School Board
- Lester B. Pearson School Board
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board
For students in the other service territories (Montreal School Service Centre, Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Service Centre, and Laval School Service Centre), SSVPM now works in partnership with the school service centres, which distribute the financial assistance directly to eligible students through their schools.
This approach simplifies the process for families and allows us to reach more young people who need support.
Where can coupons be used?
Papeterie de l’Est: a trusted partner
Papeterie de l’Est (3481 Ontario Street East, Montreal, QC H1W 1R4) has been a long-standing partner of Operation School Perseverance (Opération Bonne Mine). Families may use their $50 voucher to purchase school supplies at the store.
Please note: Jean Coutu pharmacies have not accepted Operation School Perseverance vouchers since 2023.
Using your coupons at school
Vouchers may also be used by parents of students attending schools within the following school systems:
- Pointe-de-l’Île School Service Centre
- English Montreal School Board
- Lester B. Pearson School Board
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board
Presented directly to the school as a form of payment, vouchers may be used to cover a variety of school-related expenses, including:
- School supplies and textbooks
- Daycare fees
- Lunch supervision fees
- Other eligible back-to-school expenses
Vouchers must be used by October 31, 2026.
$50 helps provide one child with the essential school supplies they need to start the school year.
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