Backpacks for the Homeless 2026: 400 backpacks assembled for shelters

This year’s Backpacks for the Homeless event was a powerful demonstration of community spirit and collective action. On February 11, 2026, 30 employees from Valsoft Corporation, Valnet, Valpay and Valsef Capital came together with one shared purpose: to assemble 400 backpacks filled with essential items for people experiencing homelessness in Montreal.

This year, we chose to organize this initiative in February, a period widely recognized as one of the lowest seasons for donations. While the holiday season often brings an influx of generosity, support tends to decline in the months that follow, despite winter conditions persisting and essential needs remaining high. With several cold weeks still ahead, we felt it was crucial to step in at a time when resources are stretched and demand remains urgent.

What Went Into the 400 Backpacks

Our goal was to deliver practical, immediate relief while continuing to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges surrounding homelessness in our community. Each backpack was carefully packed with essentials selected to make a real difference during winter months, including:

• Warm gloves, scarf and hat

• Non-perishable snacks

• Hygiene supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, body soap, lipstick)

• Wool socks

• Handwarmers

• Emergency blankets

Responding to Community Needs

In partnership with Centraide Montréal, we identified two frontline shelters serving some of the most vulnerable populations to send them our backpacks:

• Halte du Sud — 200 backpacks

• Macadam Sud — 100 backpacks

Caroline from Halte du Sud shared powerful stories about the individuals staying at their emergency shelter: their daily realities, their urgent needs, and how even a small smile can make someone feel seen, valued, and important. Thank you for coming and raising awareness!

Employee Engagement in Action

Our volunteers arrived early with energy and enthusiasm. The assembly phase was a true team effort, from sorting items and packing backpacks to adding personalized notes of encouragement for recipients. Thanks to the generosity and teamwork of our volunteers, every bag was assembled with care, compassion, and impressive efficiency.

What stood out most was not only the scale of what we accomplished, but the shared sense of purpose behind it. The conversations, collaboration, and empathy present throughout the event reflect the values that define our foundation and our broader corporate community.

A special thank you to all employees who participated. Your dedication is what makes initiatives like this possible. Experiences like this reinforce our foundation’s commitment to meaningful community involvement and demonstrate corporate social responsibility in action. Thank you for helping us Dream Big and give back even bigger!