Staples and Katy Perry Make Roar Happen with $2.5 Million to Support Teachers and Students

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Staples SPLS and global pop music superstar Katy Perry teamed up to "Make Roar Happen" this back-to-school season, donating more than $2.5 million (USD) in support of teachers, students and classroom projects across North America. As the presenting sponsor of the North American leg of Katy Perry's Prismatic World Tour, Staples inspired audiences, fans and customers to 'roar' for teachers and students.  

Staples donated $1 million to DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit organization that funds classroom projects for teachers in local communities in the U.S. As a result, Staples fulfilled 949 classroom projects; providing 1,386 teachers in1,089 schools with their classroom needs, and impacting 143,053 students throughout the U.S. Additionally, Staples customers have donated $150,000 to date to DonorsChoose.org at Staples stores and at www.staples.com/makeroarhappen. Donations will be accepted until Sept. 25, 2014.

"We're thrilled with the results of the 'Make Roar Happen' program," said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president, North American stores and online marketing, Staples. "With the help of our customers, we touched thousands of teachers and students. Working with Katy Perry, we helped ensure teachers and students have what they need in their classrooms for a successful year."

Staples Canada, with the help of Katy Perry, raised more than $CAD 1.4 million as part of its Annual School Supply Drive, setting a new record for the campaign. The drive helps Canadian students who lack resources and is based on partnerships with almost 200 charitable groups throughout Canada, including Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Kiwanis and the United Way. Staples locations invited donations, with 100 percent of donations directed to students in need. The Annual School Supply Drive, now in its ninth year, has raised close to $CAD 10 million.

"Our associates are delighted to be active in the community," said Steve Matyas, president of Staples Canada. "And they never cease to amaze me. They've embraced our school supply drive and passed along their enthusiasm to our customers. Having Katy Perry's support has been invaluable. Together, we're making more happen for Canadian students, teachers and schools."

"It was exciting for me to be able to reward people for their attention to education, something contests rarely focus on," said Katy Perry. "I got to interact with the teachers and the students, and hear how these donations are making a difference in classrooms. I'm proud of my fans for supporting Make Roar Happen, and I'm proud that I get to shine my light on something truly impactful."

"We are extremely grateful for all the support from Staples, its loyal customers, and Katy Perry, helping teachers and students across the U.S.," said Charles Best, Founder and CEO, DonorsChoose.org. "We've heard directly from many teachers about how the 'Make Roar Happen' program has made a lasting impact for both them and their students."

"Together with national partners like Staples Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada help students who face barriers every day," said Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. "We are very grateful for the support of Staples Canada in providing back-to-school materials for deserving children and youth." 

About Staples Canada
Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it's in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, Copy and Print services and, of course, school supplies. Headquartered outside Boston with offices in Toronto, Canada, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples is available at staples.ca.

About the Staples Canada Annual School Supply Drive
Over the years, the Staples Canada Annual School Supply Drive has generated close to $10 million for schools, non-profit organizations and community groups. The campaign is designed to help local students in need go back to school with the essential supplies. Every year, the School Supply Drive helps thousands of Canadian students.

The ninth Annual Supply Drive ran July 26 - September 8, allowing customers to donate at the cash register.

In Quebec, Bureau en Gros stores ran a campaign between July 27 - September 3 to support The Breakfast Clubs of Canada, a well-respected organization that assists nearly 18,000 children in 287 schools start their day with a healthy breakfast.

SOURCE Staples Canada Inc.