November 16, 2009

Donation Drive to Deliver $4,000 in School Supplies to Students

KELOWNA, BC: For many families, buying backpacks, calculators, paper, binders, and other essential school supplies is a financial challenge, especially in large families.  Thanks to Staples, the community, and the Builders Club at Springvalley Middle School (SMS), hundreds of students will receive supplies free of charge.  Principals from 13 schools have been invited to drop by Staples in Kelowna between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. on November 18 to pick up a cart full of goods.

"Springvalley Middle School's Builders Club includes 79 enthusiastic middle school students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 who want to help their school, community and world,” says teacher Hope Voykin.  “The students are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Staples on this worthwhile and exciting community project.  They are thrilled to go shopping with the schools' wish lists and buy lots of supplies for students in our city.  Thank you to Staples and the community for making this happen." 

The donations in this drive are strictly for students rather than schools.  Using a master list of requirements for students at each school, Voykin along with 27 Builders Club students will begin shopping at 1:30 p.m. on November 18.   They expect to have 13 carts full of supplies by 3:00 p.m. when principals or their representatives are invited to stop by the store on Highway 97.  

Students at the following schools will receive supplies:
Elementary:     A.S. Matheson, Bankhead, Belgo, Pearson Road, Quigley, Raymer, Rutland, South Rutland, and Springvalley
Middle:            Rutland, Springvalley
Secondary:      Rutland
Alternative:      Central Programs & Services

“Staples holds a Back to School School Supplies Drive for needy children and teens in our community every year,” says Voykin.  “This year, Staples customers were amazingly generous with their donations—approximately $4,000 worth of school supplies was given!  That’s more than triple from the previous year.”  In 2008, the SMS Builders Club distributed the supplies to five schools and this year it has been expanded due to the community’s generosity. 

Ryan Wakefield, a teacher at SMS has also been very involved in the Builders Club and helped students plan this charitable project.

Approved by the Superintendent on November 16, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

Hope Voykin, Teacher, Springvalley Middle School, (250) 862-3274

Ryan Wakefield, Teacher, Springvalley Middle School, (250) 862-3274

Derek Lea, Principal, Springvalley Middle School, (250) 862-3274

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.