Not every student arrives at school each morning on an equal footing.
Some come from affluent backgrounds, while others grow up in poverty. Pasquale Coccimiglio, the general manager of Staples’ Thunder Bay outlet, says one’s economic background shouldn’t impact the education you receive.
On Monday, together with the Kiwanis Club, the company donated $3,436 to McKellar Park Central Public School and St. Margaret School, money that will be used to buy classroom supplies for children in need.
It’s the 11th year of the Staples for Students campaign, one he expects will continue for the foreseeable future.
“There’s an assumption that everyone is going to end up getting all the school supplies that they need,” Coccimiglio said.
“We certainly see thousands of people come through our store. Unfortunately in our community there are needy kids and they tend to get forgotten about at the busy back-to-school time. This is Staples way of giving back to the community that we all live and work in.”
Sydney Samons, a Grade 5 student at St. Margaret School, said it’s important to remember not everyone is on an equal footing and it’s good to help others out who might not be as fortunate.
“When people don’t have stuff, they can’t write and the school can’t always give them pencils without having enough for everyone,” she said.
The money was raised through a variety of fundraising efforts, including a customer appreciation barbecue and donations.
“Since we began this program in 2003, we have been extremely pleased with the support from our community,” says Don MacDougall of Thunder Bay Kiwanis Club.
“I am very proud to be a member of this generous community.”
For more information, visit www.tbaytelforgood.net.
