The Staples Canada Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign was full of inspiration and fundraising success in 2018, helping bring athletes and communities together to support life-changing Special Olympics programs throughout the country.

Now in its 18th year, the Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign raises funds and awareness to help make dreams come true for Special Olympics athletes.

During this national campaign, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers join Staples staff in stores to invite customers to donate at the till or online. The 2018 fundraiser, which took place from April 21 to May 27, raised more than $750,000 across Canada.

“The campaign was amazing, as it is every year,” said Campbell River Staples General Manager Dennis Peeman. “It’s a ton of fun.”

Peeman said the Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign is “something the entire store looks forward to.” He said the campaign gives Staples employees an opportunity to get to know the athletes in their community, who are “all amazing individuals and characters.”

At Vancouver’s Marine Drive Staples, General Manager Gary Howell described the campaign as “the best experience ever!” and said he couldn’t wait to do it again next year.

Employees at the Marine Drive location worked to make the SOBC athletes visiting the store “feel like the rock stars that they are,” said Howell.

The Marine Drive Staples team created large posters that showcased the athletes and their athletic accomplishments, which were displayed in the store during the campaign and helped both the customers and employees get to know the athletes and their achievements.

Howell said the athletes’ “energy and enthusiasm were absolutely electrifying,” inspiring everyone on the team.

“They really let us into their world and touched our hearts,” said Howell. “There was not a dry eye in the building.”

SOBC – Vancouver athlete Mathew Schmiing visited a number of stores throughout the Lower Mainland over the course of the campaign, and was grateful to Staples employees and customers for their support of Special Olympics programs.

“It makes me feel good on behalf of athletes like myself with an intellectual disability, knowing that we are appreciated and knowing that there are people out there who are looking out for all of us,” said Schmiing.

In addition to supporting the important Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign, Staples employees from across the Lower Mainland come out in droves each year to take part in the Staples / Special Olympics BC softball tournament.

This year, the 18th annual event saw 15 Special Olympics BC athletes join six teams of Staples employees for a day of friendly competition, inclusion, and sportsmanship in Burnaby.

The 2018 softball tournament was the first for SOBC – Burnaby athlete Connor McCracken, who said he had a great day and enjoyed playing with his Staples teammates.

“They were really good!” he said.

We are so grateful to Staples Canada staff and customers for their support of Special Olympics through the Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign and annual softball tournament. Our sincere thanks to all the athletes and volunteers across the province who gave their time and energy to make the campaign a success for Special Olympics!