Drop off backpacks at local sleep country stores and help deserving kids
TORONTO, July 31 /CNW/ - On Saturday August 1st, Sleep Country Canada
launches its annual Backpacks for Kids program and The Salvation Army is
excited to be a partner in this campaign. Just in time for the new school
year, Backpacks for Kids runs from August 1 through August 31, 2009,
supporting children in grades one through seven who can't afford new school
supplies.
Canadians are encouraged to drop off new backpacks filled with school
supplies at local Sleep Country stores. Donations will be distributed to local
children through The Salvation Army and KidsFest, a non-profit organization
dedicated to helping young Canadians who live at or below the poverty line.
"Many Canadians cannot afford the school supplies that their children
need, especially during these tough economic times," says Christine Magee,
President, Sleep Country Canada. "With Backpacks for Kids, we are happy to
have the opportunity to make a difference in communities across Canada.
Since the Backpack for Kids program began in 2005, and with the generous
support of the public, more than 20,000 backpacks filled with supplies have to
given to children in need.
"The economic downturn has affected so many across Canada, but it is easy
to forget about something as simple as school supplies," says Colonel Don
Copple, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. "The
Salvation Army is pleased to partner with Sleep Country Canada and KidsFest as
we strive to encourage Canadians to help thousands of children prepare for a
new school year."
Anybody wishing to help is invited to fill new backpacks with school
supplies such as non-toxic markers or crayons, notebooks, geometry sets,
dictionary/thesaurus, pencils, erasers, pencil cases, highlighters, glue/glue
sticks, educational workbooks, duotangs, flashcards, paper, scissors and tape.
Sleep Country Canada is also challenging local businesses to participate.
Businesses looking to get involved in Backpacks for Kids can call
1-888-Sleep-88 for further details.
Sleep Country Canada will promote the Backpacks for Kids program through
in-store displays, website reports and radio advertising. Canadians can visit
any of Sleep Country's 137 locations to drop off new backpacks filled with
school supplies.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began
its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest
non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The
Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday
in 400 communities across Canada and 118 countries around the world. The
Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often
tending to the basic necessities of life, provides shelter for homeless people
and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an
addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the
future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.
News releases, articles and updated information can be found at
www.SalvationArmy.ca.
About Sleep Country Canada:
Sleep Country Canada is the largest retailer of mattresses in Canada with
137 corporate owned stores in eight regional markets under the Sleep Country
banner, and 34 stores in Quebec under the Dormez-vous banner. Sleep Country
Canada also owns Sleep America, a large mattress retailer in Arizona with 45
stores. Sleep Country was again recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best
Employers in 2006 and Sleep America was recognized as a top employer in
Arizona in 2005.
For further information: Media Contact: Andrew Burditt, Territorial
Public Relations Director, The Salvation Army, (416) 845-8231,
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
