Today (Sept. 4) and tomorrow, Hildebrand Motors and Staples in Olds are holding what they hope will be an annual fundraiser to help needy families in the area obtain much-needed school supplies.
The event takes place on both days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Staples Olds parking lot.
Hildebrand Motors have brought some of their vehicles into that lot. Customers and/or staff will be given the opportunity to test drive them.
For every test drive, Hildebrand Motors will contribute $10 toward Staples' Back to School Supply Drive, a national back to school initiative.
"One hundred per cent of the money fundraised is used to purchase supplies," says Britnie Cook, general manager of Staples in Olds. "Within Olds and the surrounding area, parents in need of school supplies contact their school and they reach out directly to Staples for donations."
Cook says the fundraising campaign runs until Sept. 15, "but we have already begun filtering donations directly to the schools."
As of Tuesday, Sept. 3, the campaign had raised $2,035.
Nationally, Staples has been running the Back to School Supply Drive for 14 years. Each year it raises about $1.7 million, Cook says.
Hildebrand Motors sales manager Keith Klinck says the dealership is happy to be involved because they see it as a good cause and a good way for both organizations to assist those who need help.
"I guess one of their other locations had done the same thing with a dealership in Airdrie. So yeah, we thought we'd get in board and see if we can help out," he says.
Chinook's Edge School Division superintendent Kurt Sacher is grateful for the initiative.
"We are fortunate to have many organizations and individuals in our Chinook's Edge communities who are generous in their support of our students and families all year long," he says.
"We appreciate the involvement of our community neighbours, because it helps set our students up for success."
