Staples Canada and Special Olympics Canada Team Up for 15th Give a Toonie. Share a Dream. Fundraising Initiative

TORONTO, April 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Now in its 15^th run, the Give a Toonie. Share a Dream. campaign created by Staples Canada and Special Olympics Canada aims to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics programs across the country. Staples Canada stores across Canada will take part in this year's campaign to help further enrich the lives of children, youth and adults with an intellectual disability. The campaign will kick off on Saturday, May 3 and will run until Sunday, May 25, 2014.

Throughout the Give a Toonie. Share a Dream. campaign, Staples customers are encouraged to visit their local store to make a donation. In addition to in-store contributions, this year's campaign will also, for the first time, include an online component, allowing customers to participate in the campaign as they shop staples.ca. Proceeds raised throughout the campaign are donated back to communities across Canada, ensuring even more Canadians with an intellectual disability benefit from Special Olympics programs and the transformative power of sport.

""The Give a Toonie. Share a Dream. campaign has really become part of our company DNA and our partnership with this great organization doesn't end once the campaign is over," says Steve Matyas, President, Staples Canada. "From Special Olympics athletes working in our stores, to Staples Associates volunteering at Special Olympics events, we take pride in being able to support this movement and get inspired every time we hear about the outstanding accomplishments of their athletes. This year once again, together with our customers, we want to continue making dreams come true for many of them."

The public can also take part in the Give a Toonie. Share a Dream. conversation by following this year's campaign hashtag, #ShareADream, on Facebook and Twitter. They can also help support Special Olympics athletes heading to the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games by sharing their dreams and well-wishes on social media.

Sharon Bollenbach, CEO of Special Olympics Canada says "Special Olympics Canada has consistently been amazed by the support and generosity of Staples and their customers in the past, and I'm sure this year will be no exception. Special Olympics athletes, their families, volunteers and coaches across the country are grateful for the continued support from Staples Canada and their customers, as they continue to make dreams happen across the country," she said.

About Special Olympics Canada

Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in 12 provincial and territorial Chapters, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, close to 37,000 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 17,000 volunteers, including more than 13,000 trained coaches.

For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).

About Staples

Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it's in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services. Headquartered outside of Boston in the United States with offices in Toronto in Canada, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com and www.staples.ca.

SOURCE: Special Olympics Canada

Allison Love
Communications Officer
Special Olympics Canada
T: 416.927.9050 ext. 4312
E: [email protected]

Alessandra Saccal
Head of Communications, Canada
STAPLES CANADA
T: 416.905.737.1147 ext. 2362
E: [email protected]