Staples Advantage helps 'green' local YMCA

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS)

Staples Advantage Canada, the business-to-business division of Staples Canada, has teamed up with local YMCAs to do its part to 'green' communities in Ontario. Throughout the summer, groups of Staples Advantage volunteers banded together to build a natural playground at the Mississauga YMCA and helped construct a green rooftop terrace at the Brampton YMCA. More than 40 Staples Advantage volunteers dedicated a total of 120 hours to the completion of both projects.

Staples Advantage takes pride in its partnerships with clients, which is how their involvement in the community project began. Through working with the YMCA, it was discovered that both organizations collaborate with Evergreen - a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to naturalizing playgrounds and building greener outdoor spaces in communities across Canada.

"Working together, Staples and the YMCA can leverage our common green and community-focused initiatives to help make a greater impact," says Susan D'Souza, National Manager for Quality and Sustainability for Staples Advantage. "We both recognize the importance of allowing kids to explore a more natural environment in the city.

"For the kids in our childcare program, this is a great way for them to get their hands dirty and learn about plants in their natural outdoor environment," says Alex Versluis, Vice President, Property Management, YMCA of Greater Toronto. "We believe it's important for our younger generation to learn about the environment so they can lead us to a healthier future."

Staples Advantage also provides additional support to Evergreen as the organization works to help make cities across Canada more livable with greener outdoor spaces. Staples recently donated $1 to Evergreen from every sale of Staples Sustainable Earth Brand remanufactured toner, contributing a total of $25,000 for their 2012 national school ground greening program.

About Staples Advantage Canada

As the business-to-business division of Staples, Staples Advantage works with companies of 20 or more employees to develop customized programs with dedicated account management and a complete assortment of products and services to meet business needs.

The leading supplier in Canada, we work with our business partners to provide office supplies, technology products, facility supplies, furniture, and business services. Staples Advantage Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, with eight distribution centres across Canada. For more information, visit www.staplesadvantage.ca.

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto
Established in 1853, The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity mobilizing people in the community to be healthier in spirit, mind and body. Serving the people of the GTA, including Durham, Peel, York, Halton Regions and Dufferin County, the YMCA connects with more than 480,000 people at 425 locations.  In partnership with more than 250 organizations, the Y offers a variety of programs and services responding to the needs of the community, including employment, leadership and education, settlement programs, youth outreach and intervention, fitness and recreation, child care and camps.  www.ymcagta.org

SOURCE: Staples Advantage Canada

Soulla Lindo
Marketing Communications Manager
Staples Advantage Canada
905-696-3733
[email protected]