Staples “Back to School Program” and Kiwanis

Chromebooks are versatile laptops that have become a basic tool used in high school. Students receive their assignments through them and submit their work directly to the teacher. They have productivity applications which include word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, note taking and more. They enhance one’s ability to communicate with team members on group projects, using video conferencing, email and social networking. Students can do their own research through web browsing. In effect, they are learning using tools and protocols similar to what they will need in their careers. Chromebooks are reasonably inexpensive, secure and accessible, making them ideal for students.

Unfortunately, the cost can be a financial barrier. Not all families can afford to buy a Chromebook for each child. Some students spend their whole high school experience without ever owning one. They borrow from friends or share with siblings. Some schools have Chromebooks that students can borrow or rent. It’s not an ideal situation for continuity in a student’s ability to hand in assignments.

This year, the Kiwanis Club of Manotick, working with the Staples Canada’s “Back to School” program, is helping.

Within this program, the Barrhaven Staples store has collected $3,500 donated from their clients. The Kiwanis Club of Manotick has added $3,100 to the total. This enabled us to buy 20 Chromebooks with two-year warrantees. Each of the schools which support our Key Clubs will receive 4 to be given directly to a student. There is only one criteria: financial need. The choice of the recipient is up to Student Services.

This is made possible through the Staples Back to School program and the enthusiastic participation of the manager, Carlos Oliva, and staff at the Barrhaven store.

This is the 19th annual School Supply Drive to equip students sponsored by Staples Canada. In 2024 the program ran from August 4th until September 22nd. Thanks to donations from customers, the program has raised more than $17 million in Canada to date. One hundred percent of donations raised goes directly back to kids in the local communities. Staples Canada partners with charitable organizations who help determine the most urgent needs.

In Ontario, Staples has partnered with The Kiwanis Foundation of Canada for over 16 years to help distribute the school supplies. This collaboration brings support to countless students from low-income families.

The Kiwanis Club of Manotick works with the Staples stores in Kemptville and in Barrhaven. The Kemptville donations go to the Kemptville Salvation Army to support their Backpack Program. The backpacks are filled with school supplies and donated to needy families.

Over the past few years, the money donated at the Barrhaven store has been donated to local elementary schools or split between the Interval House and the Youville Centre. This year the need for Chromebooks became apparent. The Chromebooks are going to 3 High Schools in Barrhaven, 1 in Riverside South and 1 in Manotick.

The Kiwanis Club of Manotick is very thankful for the opportunity to participate in this program. We look forward to a continued partnership to help make a positive impact in the future of our youth.