As a supporter of Special Olympics Canada since 1996, Staples Canada has helped make dreams come true for thousands of Special Olympics athletes nationwide.
This year will mark the 19th annual Staples Canada Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign for Special Olympics Canada, which raises vital funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes throughout the country.
During this campaign, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers join Staples staff in stores to invite customers to donate at the till or online. Staples stores across the country also go above and beyond by organizing events like hotdog days, auctions, and bake sales to help raise additional funds.
The 2018 Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign was an incredible success, raising more than $750,000 across Canada to support life-changing Special Olympics programs.
As well as increasing funds and awareness, the Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign helps bring Special Olympics athletes together with members of their community to share their stories and Special Olympics experiences.
At Vancouver’s Marine Drive Staples, General Manager Gary Howell described the 2018 campaign as “the best experience ever!” and said he couldn’t wait to do it again next year.
Employees at the Marine Drive location worked to make the SOBC athletes visiting the store “feel like the rock stars that they are,” said Howell.
The Marine Drive Staples team created large posters that showcased the athletes and their athletic accomplishments, which were displayed in the store during the campaign and helped both the customers and employees get to know the athletes and their achievements.
Howell said the athletes’ “energy and enthusiasm were absolutely electrifying,” inspiring everyone on the team.
“They really let us into their world and touched our hearts,” said Howell. “There was not a dry eye in the building.”
In B.C., Staples also supports Special Olympics athletes through the yearly Staples/Special Olympics BC Softball Tournament. During this friendly day-long event, softball teams comprised of Staples employees and Special Olympics BC athletes come together to compete and enjoy a fun day of inclusion, camaraderie, and sport.
The 18th annual softball tournament in July 2018 was the first for SOBC – Burnaby athlete Connor McCracken, who said he had a great day and enjoyed playing with his Staples teammates.
“They were really good!” he said.
We are so grateful to Staples Canada for their dedicated support of Special Olympics! Their longstanding support has truly changed the lives of Special Olympics athletes across Canada.