This year, Grieg Seafood BC has partnered with Staples and BGC (formerly Boys and Girls Club) to provide school supplies for students returning to school this fall, and whose families may need a little help.

Students and families from all over the North Island can apply to the ‘Start to Smart Supply Drive’ at the Campbell River Staples until Sept. 19 to receive $50 worth of school supplies needed for the school year.

In addition to funds already raised by employees and community members, Grieg Seafood BC has donated $1,500 ensuring that another 30 kids, or the equivalent of about one full classroom, have the supplies they need when heading back to school this year.

“I’ve worked at Staples for 23 years and our fundraising has always stayed local. With Covid it’s been hard for a lot of families and they need the support, so it’s a great program. We do this every year,” said Sandy Herbert, supervisor at the Campbell River Staples.

“I’m excited about the Boys and Girls Club partnering with this program for the first time. The money we raise here stays in the communities close by us.”

When Herbert approached Grieg Seafood for program support in August, the local aquaculture company didn’t hesitate in becoming involved.

“I am so excited that Grieg is on board,” she said. “This is the first time that Grieg Seafood has joined up with us, so I was ecstatic when the donation came in because that supports 30 kids here in Campbell River, and other communities across the North Island like Port McNeill and Gold River.”

“Supporting this program was an easy yes for us,” said Katie Maximick, Community Relations Specialist at Grieg Seafood. “We know how hard the pandemic has hit many families on the North Island, and school supplies can be quite expensive, especially if you have more than one child. We don’t want any families to have to worry about how they will ensure their children have the equipment and tools they will need to be successful at school.”

“As salmon farmers we were lucky to be deemed an essential service early in the pandemic and continue to operate at full speed, so paying it forward to help local families out is something we’re grateful to be able to do.”