Staples’ Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign continues to help Special Olympics athletes across the country achieve their dreams – athletes like Preston Wideman.
Preston Wideman is a 35-year-old athlete who has competed with Special Olympics Alberta-Camrose for the past 14 years.
He signed up to play softball because he wanted a fun team environment and through SOA he has been able to play a multitude of sports including soccer, bocce, indoor & outdoor walk-run, golf, basketball, 5-pin bowling, curling, swimming, functional fitness, and of course softball.
“Softball is my favourite because it is fun and I get to go to tournaments,” Preston said.
Not only does he play sports with Special Olympics, but he also volunteers with the Active Start and FUNdamentals programs - helping young athletes learn the basics of sport.
He has learned so much throughout his tenure with SOA, including how to be a good sport. As a seasoned veteran, Preston’s advice for new athletes looking to join is simple – get involved.
“Come on and join Special Olympics because it is fun, you can make friends, go to tournaments, banquets, dances and karaoke,” Preston added.
For Preston, the Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign is right in his ballpark, working as an employee at the Camrose location since June 2017.
“My favourite part about working at Staples is I like the people there,” Preston said.
A typical shift for Preston involves filling up the paper wall, stocking shelves, and helping customers find what they are looking for.
Preston stated that the support of Staples as a National Partner of Special Olympics Canada makes him happy.
He added that the Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign is critical for raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes.
“The [Give a Toonie] Share a Dream campaign is important because Staples is raising money for Special Olympics and letting people know about SO,” Preston said.
Overall his job at Staples has been a great fit and he hopes that he can continue to work there for a long time because he likes everything about it.
Donations for the Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign can be made at all Staples Canada stores or online to help athletes achieve their dreams.
The support of Staples campaigns have helped Preston realize some of his goals like winning 1st place ribbons at multiple swim meets, being awarded a sportsmanship certificate at an SOA tournament, and earning a gold medal in softball at the 2017 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games in Medicine Hat.
Staples continues to help Special Olympics programs evolve in their communities and go above and beyond to help raise funds and awareness, especially the Staples in Camrose who hosted a paint night fundraiser on April 25.
They continue to go above and beyond for Special Olympics athletes and when you give a toonie during the upcoming campaign you can make dreams a reality for athletes across the country.
Head to your local Staples location across Canada now until May 27 and make a donation to the Give a Toonie Share a Dream campaign and help support Special Olympics Canada athletes!
