A back-to-school campaign organized by a Peterborough-based professional services firm will be delivering 310 fully stocked backpacks to children and youth in Peterborough and Winnipeg.
On Tuesday (August 18), Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory announced the fifth annual Gear Up for Good campaign had exceeded its goal of collecting 300 backpacks, thanks to the efforts of local businesses, donors, volunteers, community organizations, and members of the Gauvreau team.
Of the 310 backpacks collected, 100 are being distributed through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, 100 through the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation, and 10 through Peterborough Youth Services. Another 100 backpacks are being distributed through United Way Winnipeg.
The campaign expanded beyond Ontario for the first time this year, reflecting Gauvreau’s growing presence in Manitoba. Along with its headquarters in downtown Peterborough and offices in Toronto and Ottawa, the firm has offices in Winnipeg and Steinbach.
“This campaign is a perfect example of what happens when a community decides to show up,” said Gauvreau founder and CEO Robert Gauvreau in a media release.
“We set a goal of 300 backpacks, and our community didn’t just meet it — they pushed us past it. We’re incredibly proud of what everyone accomplished together.”
In addition to backpacks and school supplies, the campaign’s partners are providing families with other back-to-school supports.
Domino’s Pizza donated 300 pizza vouchers, including 200 for families in Peterborough and 100 for families in Winnipeg. The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area and Community Futures Peterborough donated 200 $20 Boro gift cards, which can be deemed at participating downtown businesses, while Asta Hair Styling School is providing two full days of free back-to-school haircuts for participating children.
In addition, Crayola Canada donated an assortment of markers and pencil crayons, Ricart Branded Apparel & Promo donated 22 backpacks as well as toques and hats, Kawartha Property and Legal Services and Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce each donated four fully stocked backpacks, Peterborough Friends donated bulk school supplies and bags, and McDougall Insurance donated $320 along with school supplies, lunch bags, and water bottles.
Peterborough Petes defenceman Thanasi Marentette and the Marentette Mission donated $500 to the Gear Up for Good campaign.
“This year was about more than filling backpacks,” said Gauvreau community manager Tiffany Arcari.
“We wanted to take some of the pressure off families heading into September and give kids a few extras to help them feel confident and excited about the school year. The response from our partners and the community was incredible.”
Gear Up for Good began five years ago and has now provided more than 900 fully stocked backpacks to children and youth.
During last year’s campaign, Gauvreau exceeded its goal of 200 backpacks by collecting and distributing 207 to Peterborough-area children through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough and the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation.
Gauvreau credited the growth of the campaign to businesses, employees, clients, volunteers, and community members who donated supplies or money, purchased items from campaign wish lists, volunteered their time, or helped promote the initiative.
