Tools for School campaign in full swing

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This article was published 08/08/2025 (302 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

United Way Brandon and Staples Canada have called on the community to ensure every child starts school with the supplies they need through their back-to-school campaign.

The United Way, which runs its campaign throughout August, collects new school supplies and financial donations to support students in the Brandon School Division.

This year, the campaign began in mid-July with the “Restaurant Challenge,” a weeklong fundraiser involving six local eateries — Lady of the Lake, Chez Angela, The Royal Fork, Taco Time, Sushi Hut and The Eagles Nest Bar and Grill. Each restaurant chose its way to participate, from donating $1 per featured menu item to creating specialty drinks and daily specials.

August marks the main push for the Tools for School collection drive, United Way staff development and community wellness director Jamie Stouffer told the Sun.

“Donation bins are placed across the city at locations including Bell Media, Brandon Sportsplex, Co-op Gas Bar on Sixth Street, Once Upon a Child, Plato’s Closet, Safeway on 18th Street, and other longtime and new partners,” she said. “For those who prefer to donate online, a new feature on United Way’s website allows supporters to contribute funds so the organization can purchase supplies directly from Christie’s Office Plus.”

This year, the not-for-profit also introduced splash park donation pop-ups as a fresh way to engage families. Every Tuesday in August, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., United Way’s Summer of Service youth volunteers collect supplies and spruce up local parks. Upcoming stops include Kin Spray Park on Aug. 12, and Valleyview Spray Park on Aug. 19 and 26.

At month’s end, volunteers — including a team from Manitoba Public Insurance — sort all donated and pre-ordered items. Supplies are then delivered to each school, where staff discreetly identify and distribute them to students most in need.

“We trust school staff to make those decisions because they know their students best,” Stouffer explained. “That way, support goes exactly where it’s needed, quietly and respectfully.”

The campaign also has a strong youth involvement component, with 45 volunteers aged 13 to 25 contributing to everything from splash park collections to organizing supplies.

“Youth are a vital part of this campaign,” Stouffer said. “They bring energy, creativity, and a passion for helping their peers.”

Staples Canada, which has also worked with United Way for 20 years through its annual “Staples School Supply Drive,” remains committed to keeping donations local, regional vice-president Carlo Pellegrino told the Sun.

“Our focus remains on continuing our strong partnership with United Way to make sure that 100 per cent of the donations from our customers here in Brandon directly support students and families in the community,” he said.

“Here in Brandon, our store team is committed to raising awareness about the drive-through in-store signage, direct engagement with our customers, and working with our local United Way partner to keep the momentum going.”

Pellegrino explained that while there’s no specific local fundraising target, Staples stores across Canada raise close to $1 million annually for students.

“As always, 100 per cent of donations made at our Brandon store stay in this community,” he said. “Customers can add a donation at checkout in-store, and United Way West Central Manitoba ensures those contributions are directed to students in need, right here in Brandon.”

With inflation and rising supply costs putting extra pressure on low-income families, Stouffer said targeted support and community partnerships are more important than ever. Looking ahead, United Way hopes to grow the campaign further by adding more drop-off sites, expanding the Restaurant Challenge, and introducing new community-based collection events.

“We’re always open to new collaborations,” Stouffer said. “Every backpack, every box of crayons, every pack of pencils makes a difference. Together, we can make sure all students start the year with confidence.”

Donations for Tools for School will be accepted until Aug. 27. A full list of drop-off locations and details on how to give online can be found at www.brandonuw.ca.

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