One week to go before 10 Canadian schools can say "that was easy" about winning $25,000 computer lab
TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian schools have another week to highlight their commitment to the environment and earn a chance to win the technology tools to help students succeed.
Staples Canada's Recycle for Education Computer Lab contest, held this year in collaboration with Earth Day Canada, is into its final week of submissions. The contest closes on Friday, Feb. 22 at midnight ET. For every school that enters, Staples is donating $25 to Earth Day Canada.
"Hundreds of schools across the country have demonstrated their commitment to the environment and we want to keep the momentum going, both for the benefit of students and our planet," said Steve Matyas, president of Staples Canada.
To enter, one student from every publicly funded Canadian elementary or secondary school can submit a principal-approved short paper (one page) on how his or her school has become environmentally responsible. Students can submit entries at Staples.ca/RecycleForEducation, or on the Staples Canada Facebook page.
"We work closely with teachers across the country to help develop programs designed to teach students about the importance of sustainability," said Jed Goldberg, president of Earth Day Canada. "The Recycle for Education contest offers schools a terrific incentive to use technology to research and implement new strategies for environmental initiatives."
Schools from every region in Canada will win, in accordance with the following breakdown:
The principal of one of last year's winners, Langstaff Secondary School in Richmond Hill, ON, said the recognition has given a huge boost to the entire school community.
"The benefits of winning the Recycle for Education grant from Staples were numerous. Firstly, the award recognized the efforts of the students and staff on various environmental projects. It also enabled the school to convert an outdated computer lab into a state-of-the-art Digital Media Lab complete with new computers, a mounted LCD projector and a document camera. As a result, the visual arts and technology students are able to extend their learning beyond what was possible before winning the grant. The students, staff and parents deeply appreciate the support provided by Staples."
The papers will be judged by seven industry experts and the winning schools will be announced in early April.
For more information on Staples' environmental programs, or how schools can get a free ink cartridge bin, please visit Staples.ca/environment.
About Staples Canada
Staples, Canada's largest office products company is committed to providing Canadians with a wide choice of office services and products. Serving all types of business - from the small home office to large enterprise - Staples makes it easy for customers to operate their offices efficiently and affordably by offering an extensive selection of office supplies, technology, electronics and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and maintenance, and copy and print services. Operating as Bureau en GrosMC in the province of Quebec and Staples Canada in all other provinces, the company employs over 15,000 associates at 330+ stores and at their head office in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Ranked as one of Canada's top ten Canadian companies in Marketing Magazine's Marketing/Leger 2011 Corporate Reputation Survey, Staples/Bureau en Gros is dedicated to offering customers the highest level of service, whether they choose to shop in-store, by catalogue or online. Staples Canada/Bureau en Gros also is invested in a number of corporate giving programs that actively support environmental, educational and entrepreneurial initiatives in Canadian communities from coast to coast. Visit www.staples.ca for more information, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Earth Day Canada
Earth Day Canada (EDC), a national environmental charity founded in 1990, provides Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to lessen their impact on the environment. In 2004 it was recognized as the top environmental education organization in North America, for its innovative year-round programs and educational resources, by the Washington-based North American Association for Environmental Education, the world's largest association of environmental educators. In 2008 it was chosen as Canada's "Outstanding Non-profit Organization" by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. EDC regularly partners with thousands of organizations in all parts of Canada. To donate to Earth Day Canada, please visit www.earthday.ca/donate.
Image with caption: "Students at Joseph Giles Elementary School in Dartmouth, N.S., use the tablets they won in the Staples' 2011-2012 Recycle for Education Computer Lab Contest (CNW Group/Staples Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130215_C6078_PHOTO_EN_23807.jpg
SOURCE: Staples Canada Inc.
Valerie Outmezguine , PR Specialist
Staples Canada
905.737.1147 x 2426
[email protected]
Keith Treffry, Director of Communications
Earth Day Canada
416.599.1991 x 107
[email protected]
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