(NC) - A new survey of teachers shows that 34 per cent of Canadian students will start school this year without even the most basic school supplies and teachers believe Canadian businesses should step up to help solve the problem.
"This is the first time we asked teachers for their opinions and what we found most interesting was that teachers believe corporations have a responsibility to help support the education system," says Alessandra Saccal, public relations manager with Staples Business Depot in Toronto. The business retailer conducted the survey with Angus Reid Strategies.
Increasing financial pressure on Canadian school boards means the onus is on families to spend anywhere from $25 to $100 on school supplies every year. Some boards do provide some supplies; however, families end up paying for most of the supplies. If money is short, the requirements list goes unheeded.
Staples Business Depot found a solution to the problem, says Saccal, in the form of its back-to-school supply drive. The drive returns again this year after collecting and distributing more than $300,000 worth of school supplies to more than 200 schools and community groups across Canada in previous years. Between August 9 and September 7, Staples Business Depot locations across Canada will collect supplies.
Each location selects a local charity, organization or school in need in their community, and makes sure they receive all donations collected.
"We are proud to say that all of our donations stay within the local community. We created a program that ensures the community will see results and benefit directly from proceeds and donations," adds Saccal.
During the drive, customers are invited to donate by purchasing basic school supplies and placing them in the collection bins provided.
Credit: www.newscanada.com