Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Special Olympics BC programs help thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities celebrate personal achievement and gain confidence, skills, and friendship. Here we look at how longtime national partner Staples Canada has helped empower athletes across the country to enrich their lives through the power of sport.

A supporter of Special Olympics Canada since 1996, Staples runs their nationwide Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign each May to raise funds and awareness to help make dreams come true for Special Olympics athletes. During this campaign, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers join Staples staff in stores to invite customers to donate at the till or online. Staples stores across the country also go above and beyond by organizing events like hotdog days, auctions, and bake sales to help raise additional funds.

Now in its 17th year, the campaign has raised more than $7 million to support Special Olympics programs throughout Canada.

“Our relationship with Special Olympics is one of the longest partnerships in the history of our company,” Staples Canada President Mary Sagat said. “The program creates a sense of pride and community spirit within our company and with our customers and vendors as well. We know the value of teamwork, team spirit, and physical activity and we are delighted to see so many Canadians participate in Special Olympics and sport.”

In B.C., Staples also supports Special Olympics athletes through the annual Staples/Special Olympics BC Softball Tournament. Each summer for the last 17 years, softball teams comprised of Staples employees and Special Olympics BC athletes compete in a friendly day-long tournament in Burnaby. Awards are given out not only to the top team, but also to the teams with the most spirit and sportsmanship.

This year’s tournament saw 13 Special Olympics BC athletes join six teams of Staples employees for a day of friendly competition, inclusion, and teamwork. SOBC – Delta athlete Nick Johnston said he really enjoyed being part of the day: “It was a lot of fun!”

We are so grateful to Staples Canada for being a longstanding and dedicated supporter of Special Olympics and helping make dreams come true for athletes across the country.