School Supply Drive helps kids go back-to-school with confidence

Staples Canada partners with charities to provide school supplies to students

RICHMOND HILL, ON, July 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Shopping for new school supplies is a cherished end-of- summer tradition for families across Canada. When the school bell rings in September however, many Canadian families struggle to provide their children with the supplies they need to succeed.

Staples Canada and its customers are banding together for the 7^th annual Staples School Supply Drive. The 2012 campaign will officially kick off July 29 and run until September 9, 2012.

"We know that simple things like a new backpack, pens, or a lunchbox mean so much to students on the first day of school," said Steve Matyas, president of Staples Canada. "For children and teens, these items are not just tools, but a way to start the school year with confidence and enthusiasm."

Each Staples Canada store has partnered with a local charity or school in their community. Stores will be collecting financial donations throughout the campaign, and will share them with their charity of choice. As a result, all donations collected remain in their respective local communities. A complete list of stores and partners can be found at www.staples.ca/supplydrive.

"Purchasing even basic school supplies is a struggle for many families, which is why the Staples School Supply Drive is a program our entire organization passionately rallies behind every year. We're thrilled so many Canadians work with us to support thousands of children by providing much-needed school supplies to students across the country," continues Steve Matyas.

This year, Staples' goal is to raise a total of $1.5 million for the School Supply Drive. Customers can make a donation from July 29 until September 9 at any Staples store, and in Quebec from July 29 until September 2, 2012.

Since its inception in 2006 as a result of one Ottawa store, this campaign has helped raise more than $5-million for children in need across Canada. Staples encourages Canadians to once again give generously and help ensure all students have the tools required to learn and be successful during the academic year.

For more information visit, www.staples.ca/community.

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.

SOURCE: Staples Canada Inc.

Valerie Outmezguine
Public Relations Specialist
STAPLES CANADA
[phone] x 2426
[email protected]

Alessandra Saccal-Tremblay
Communications, Canada
STAPLES CANADA
[phone] x 2363
alessan[email protected]