An education company is making sure every student is prepared to head into the new school year. “There’s so many students who face socio-economic barriers that allow them to have the proper materials, and if they don’t have the proper materials to go to school, their chance of success is much lower,” said Lara Courtepatte, co-founder of Tutor Teach. “With the economy being how it is and people doing their best to support the community, we want to take it a step further and pull together volunteers to donate to these families.” Thursday marked the third annual “Give 4 Grades” school supply drive. Volunteers sorted through donations and packed backpacks full of essential supplies for local kids who need a strong start to the school year. Throughout June and July, Tutor Teach collects supplies, gently used school supplies, backpacks and classroom essentials. “We gathered tonnes of supplies for students who don’t have access to school supplies, whether they’re new or used,” said Courtepatte. “We want to be able to pack backpacks for students and put them in their hands so that they can enter the school year with more confidence, ability, and the proper materials to succeed.” For the first year, the drive collected 400 items of supplies and packed 22 backpacks. Last year they collected 1,158 items and packed 28 backpacks. This year’s drive saw a major uptick in volunteers and in the amount of donations, collecting 10,537 items and packing 58 backpacks. “The donations came from not just the Edmonton area, but from all over Alberta. From Red Deer, Nisku, everywhere that you can think of, and people were driving out here to donate.” Courtepatte also said they were grateful to see strong support from local businesses as well. “We had companies say, ‘I want to be a part of this mission too.’ It was such a large effort from volunteers, donors, businesses, people who really want to see kids succeed. That’s the heart of this mission.” The company partnered with the Bissell Centre for this year’s drive. Courtepatte believes their organizations share the same beliefs towards supporting kids in the classroom and getting them the resources they need. “They’re getting these backpacks and they don’t have to feel meek or embarrassed or anxious going into the school. They can change the generational tide of their family,” she added. “They deserve the same accessibility as every other child next to them.” “I love this initiative and it’s an honour to be a part of it.” Tutor Teach is an education company offering tutoring and workshops.
