Media Advisory - World Vision and Staples Advantage Canada team up to help Syrian kids get back to school

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 16, 2015 /CNW/ -

What:	World Vision Canada is partnering with Staples Advantage Canada (the B2B division of Staples) to welcome new Syrian families by providing school backpacks and supplies to school-aged children.  Teams from both organizations will be filling 500 backpacks with school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, pencil crayons, erasers and rulers.
Who:	Michael Zahra, president, Staples Advantage Canada
	Michael Messenger, president, World Vision Canada
When:	Thursday, Dec. 17 (2:00 pm - 3:30pm)
Where:	World Vision Canada (1 World Drive, Mississauga, ON)

Quotes
"As a Canadian and as a parent, I'm so thankful for this donation from Staples Advantage which will help make the future brighter for Syrian refugee children, many of whom have not seen a classroom for some time. Children everywhere cherish their school supplies, and these fantastic backpacks will help ensure these new students get off to a strong start in school," said Michael Messenger, president, World Vision Canada.

"We are very pleased to partner with World Vision in this important initiative to help Syrian refugee children," said Michael Zahra, president, Staples Advantage Canada. "Our hope is that these backpacks and supplies bring smiles to these children as they start their first day of school in Canada."

ADDITIONAL INFO
World Vision has been a champion for Syrian refugee children since the humanitarian crisis began in 2011.  In Lebanon, Jordan and the Kurdish Region of Iraq, the agency is running education programs for school-age children so they are able to continue their education in the hope they can re-join the formal education system in the future.  

This school backpack initiative is an important component in World Vision's support for refugees arriving in Canada. Through a network of community partner organizations across Canada, World Vision is also assisting new refugee families with basic necessities such as furniture, blankets, warm clothing, food vouchers, and housing assistance.

HOW CANADIANS CAN HELP

• Watch and share this video of Canadian children welcoming Syrian children
• Use the Twitter #CanadiansWelcome to share ideas on how to help newcomers. World Vision will share your friendly messages and videos with resettlement organizations.
• Contact local sponsorship committees or refugee resettlement organizations to offer your time and friendship. There's a need for transportation, translators, language tutors, counsellors and other professionals to help families adapt to life in Canada.
• Make a donation to help Syrian families settle in Canada through World Vision's Gift Catalogue

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS), serves organizations of 20 or more employees up to Fortune 500, helping them make more happen with more products, greater cost savings and improved ordering  efficiencies. Staples Advantage provides its customers,  including global businesses, local and federal government, healthcare organizations and educational institutions, with a one source solution featuring comprehensive products and services like office supplies, technology, printing, promotional products, furniture and facility supplies, along with a customized level of account support and best-in-class customer service. More information is available at www.staplesadvantage.ca

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Image with caption: "World Vision Canada (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151216_C7187_PHOTO_EN_565897.jpg

Image with caption: "Staples Advantage Canada (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151216_C7187_PHOTO_EN_565895.jpg

For further information: For interviews contact: Brett Tarver: 647-825-2712 or [e-mail], Britt Hamilton: 416-419-1321 or [e-mail], Susan Bernardo 905-696-3733 or [e-mail]