News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes

Seeing a need in the community and helping to fill it, is nothing new to Staples in Williams Lake. They support things like the Timberwolves and minor hockey, replaced school supplies and materials for students and teachers at Poplar Glade when the school burned down, and this year have taken their support to an all new level.

‘Stock the Lockers’ is a program that was launched in 2007 in Staples stores in Nanaimo, and the program’s success led to its expansion last year to all the stores on Vancouver Island. The program was designed to provide school supplies for children whose parents may not be able to afford them.

This year ‘Stock the Lockers’ campaign has expanded to include the northern Staples locations of Williams Lake, Quesnel, Prince George, Fort St. John and Whitehorse.

“This is something I believe in,” said Sales Manager Ryan Grove. “Staples’ overall goal is to raise $100,000 province wide to help school kids: our goal in Williams Lake is $4,500. Last year we raised $1,700, and this year so far we’ve already raised over $1,000.”

He said that ‘Stock the Lockers’ is one of the biggest fundraisers for the store during ‘Back to School’.  “Last year we asked customers at the tills if they cared to make a donation, but this year I took letters around to the service clubs and various organizations.” 

He said that the money raised will buy gift cards, which will be dispersed to schools for kids who need school supplies.

“I’ve noticed more teachers coming in and wanting to buy school supplies for their students who couldn’t afford them: letting kids have the same stuff as everyone else helps them fit in and gives them confidence,” he said.

“Last year we collected the actual school supplies and donated them to a couple of schools. This year we decided that the way to help the most kids was to go through School Superintendent Diane Wright,” he continued.

“She responded immediately, and helped get this program going within a week.
She’s on top of this: she recognizes that there is a need for it, and is very proactive.
When she asked if these funds would help kids in 100 Mile House, too, I said, ‘As long as it’s in the School District, you decide. We just want to know it’s going to help kids.’”
For more information about how to help Staples ‘Stock the Lockers’ in the Cariboo, visit the store in Boitanio Mall. 

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