It began as “a one-time gesture of goodwill” four years ago but has grown into an annual initiative, providing more than 800 backpacks stocked with school essentials for Peterborough children in need.
Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory in Peterborough recently announced its fourth annual “Gear Up for Good” campaign distributed 207 fully equipped backpacks for children heading back to class at the beginning of September.
Once again, the backpacks were provided to children in late August through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough and the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation. Participants also received snacks from Quaker Oats, haircuts from Union Barber, gift cards for future haircuts from Angela & Company Salon, and pizza dinners from Domino’s Pizza.
“What started with the simple idea of filling a few backpacks to help kids in need, has grown into a core tradition at our firm,” Robert Gauvreau, CEO and founder Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory, told kawarthaNOW.
“Each year, as our business grows, so does our commitment to giving back. What began as a one-time gesture of goodwill has now become a growing movement. Each year, we’ve been able to reach more children, thanks to increased donations, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to make a difference.”
Businesses and community members donated needed items, which included backpacks, lunch bags and sandwich containers, water bottles, pens, crayons, pencils, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners and erasers, markers and highlighters, scissors, calculators, and more. Peterborough business Ricart Branded Apparel & Promo alone donated 100 backpacks.
Along with support from local businesses and community members, 200 staff of Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory participated in the campaign, including by donating, packing, and coordinating.
For Gauvreau, the campaign is all about helping young students start off the school year with what they need to succeed.
“It’s inspiring to hear stories about children who walk into school with the tools they need, and many for the first time,” Gauvreau said. “That’s why we keep showing up year after year. And as long as there’s a need, we’ll be here to help meet it.”
Gauvreau added “Gear Up for Good” has flourished because of the community-wide effort.
“The success of this campaign comes down to people. Our team, our clients, and our community rallying together with a shared belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. That kind of unity is powerful.”
According to Tiffany Arcari, Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory’s community manager, every single contribution made a big difference — from organizing and donating items, to packing supplies, to showing up on the distribution day.
As was the case last year, the firm aimed to put together 200 backpacks and, like last year, exceeded the goal.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our local media, community, and the efforts and donations from our entire team,” Arcari said.
“Together, we crushed our goal.”
