Back-to-School with Heart: MVC Donates to the BGC with Every Pair of Glasses

At Merivale Vision Care, we believe in more than just helping you see clearly; we believe in making a difference in our community.

That's why, this July and August, we're proud to bring back one of our favourite summer traditions: our annual Backpack Drive in support of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (BGC).

From July 1st through August 31st, we'll donate $10 from every pair of glasses sold to help fill backpacks with essential school supplies for local children and teens. 

It's a simple act that makes a big impact and helps set students up for a confident, supported start to the school year.

Why This Initiative Matters

Back-to-school season should be a time of excitement, fresh notebooks, and dreams for the year ahead. However, for many families in Ottawa, it can be financially overwhelming. 

The costs of school supplies, from backpacks to calculators, add up quickly. Some students begin the year without the necessary tools, making learning, feeling confident, and staying motivated harder.

That's where BGC Ottawa comes in, and we are honored to help. By donating a portion of each pair of glasses sold, we're working with BGC to ensure that no child has to walk into class feeling unprepared.

A Look Back: 350+ Backpacks Filled

Last year's campaign was a huge success. Thanks to the incredible support of our patients and team, we helped fill over 350 backpacks for local youth in need. Each one was packed with care and loaded with school supplies chosen to meet real classroom needs.

Your generosity blew us away, and the excitement on the faces of the kids receiving those backpacks was all the motivation we needed to keep going. This year, we want to go even further.

Our 2025 Goal: Beat Last Year's Record

We aim to exceed 350 backpacks in 2025, and we know we can do it with your help. Now is the perfect time if you've been considering updating your prescription, treating yourself to a stylish new pair of glasses, or booking that long-overdue eye exam. Your purchase won't just support your vision—it will directly help a child in Ottawa.

How It Works

Getting involved is easy:

• From July 1 to August 31, we'll donate $10 for every complete pair of glasses sold at MVC and WVC.
• All proceeds go toward purchasing backpacks and supplies for BGC Ottawa.
• These backpacks will be packed and distributed in early September—just in time for the new school year.

Every pair counts. Whether you're shopping for your child's first pair of glasses or picking out stylish frames for yourself, you're helping a young person walk into school feeling prepared and empowered.

Why We Partner with BGC Ottawa

‍Ottawa's Boys and Girls Club has served our city's youth for over 100 years. They provide free, inclusive programs for children and teens aged 6 to 18 that focus on education, leadership, health, and creative expression.

By supporting BGC, we're supporting kids working hard to learn, grow, and thrive, often in the face of challenges. And by helping to fill backpacks, we're contributing to their success in a practical and heartfelt way.

Want to Help Even More?

Have you already bought your glasses for the year, but still want to support the cause? We'd love that! During this campaign, we're also accepting donations of school supplies. 

Consider dropping off any of the following at either clinic:

• Backpacks (new)
• Notebooks and folders
• Pencil cases
• Markers, pens, and pencils
• Water bottles or lunch bags

You can bring them directly to Merivale Vision Care or Wellington Vision Care during business hours. Every item helps us build a more complete and supportive kit for each student.

What This Campaign Means to Us

At MVC and WVC, our patients are part of our extended family and city. Giving back to Ottawa, especially its youth, means the world.

We see this campaign as more than just a summer promotion. It's an opportunity to unite our community around kindness, education, and support. 

Every backpack we fill is a message to a child that someone believes in them, that they matter, and that they are not alone.

The response we've seen over the years, from patients, staff, and community partners, has been incredibly inspiring. We're grateful for your continued support and proud to work together to make a lasting difference.

Join Us in Giving Back

If you're due for new glasses or want to support a good cause, visit us in July or August. Let our team help you find the perfect frames while knowing your purchase will help a child in our community thrive. Together, we can turn eyewear into school gear and smiles. Contact us today to learn more.