Thousands of students across Ontario will head back to school this fall with a little extra support.
On Aug. 6, Toronto Maple Leafs player John Tavares joined volunteers, community leaders and representatives of the John Tavares Foundation in Barrie in support of the annual PIE Education initiative.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall and Craig Russell founded the initiative in 2010. It provides backpacks and essential supplies to elementary and secondary school students through community organizations, social housing providers and other agencies across Ontario.
Since its launch, the program has expanded significantly, reaching communities across the province.
This year’s campaign will see approximately 10,000 backpacks packed and distributed, bringing the program’s total to nearly 50,000 backpacks since it began.
Tavares said getting involved in organizations like PIE Education is a great thing.
“It’s a positive experience and an opportunity to help kids succeed in school by providing them with the basic things they need,” he said.
“When you give them the right tools and resources, you help them pursue their dreams, get a good education and grow into amazing people.”
Nuttall said Tavares has long been committed to supporting local causes.
“John is someone who genuinely enjoys giving back,” he said.
“You don’t have to convince him to play in a charity hockey game or support a community event. He wants to be involved, and he wants to help local charities.”
Nuttall said the goal of the program is to ensure every student begins the school year on equal footing.
“Our goal is simple: no child should go back to school without the confidence that comes from having the supplies they need to succeed,” he said.
“We hope fewer children will need this support in the future, but as long as they do, we’ll be there to provide it.”
Russell said Tavares’s involvement helps inspire others to volunteer and support the initiative.
“When John gets involved in something like this, it inspires others to step up and get involved, too. That says a lot about the kind of person he is and the impact he has. It speaks volumes.”
While the growth of the program is encouraging, Russell said it also reflects the increasing need facing families.
“We’re packing about 10,000 backpacks this year, bringing the total to nearly 50,000 since the program began,” he said.
“It’s incredible, but also bittersweet. While we’re proud of how much the initiative has grown, the increasing number of backpacks also reflects the growing need in our communities.”
PIE Education is supported by hundreds of volunteers, donors and community partners, including the John Tavares Foundation.
