Seventy-five students in the Nanaimo school district received a nice surprise in time for the new school year – a backpack filled with basic supplies they likely would not have been able to afford otherwise.
Earlier this summer, Telus Community Ambassadors in Nanaimo gave bags filled with pencils, glue sticks, notebooks, looseleaf paper, scissors, erasers, pencil cases, rulers and more to elementary, secondary and alternative school staff, who distribute them to students in need.
This initiative was part of the Telus Day of Giving, an annual event during which Telus team members from across Canada donate their time and help local organizations.
“Going to school in September is a challenging time for many young people. They don’t need the added strain of not being able to afford the basic school supplies all their friends have, not to mention the impact that can have on their ability to learn and grow,” said Glen Husband, President of Telus Community Ambassadors in Nanaimo. “They deserve the same chance as every other student, and we’re determined to provide it to them.”
Every year Telus Ambassadors provide volunteer services at community events and support dozens of philanthropic programs and initiatives. In 2010, they distributed more than 8,000 school bags to kids in need and nearly 10,000 comfort kits containing personal hygiene items to the homeless.