Staples and Katy Perry 'Make Roar Happen' with $2.5 Million to Support Teachers and Students

Staples (SPLS) and global pop music superstar Katy Perry teamed up to "Make Roar Happen" this back-to-school season, donating more than $2.5 million (USD) in support of teachers, students and classroom projects across North America. As the presenting sponsor of the North American leg of Katy Perry's Prismatic World Tour, Staples inspired audiences, fans and customers to 'roar' for teachers and students.

Staples donated $1 million to DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit organization that funds classroom projects for teachers in local communities in the U.S. As a result, Staples fulfilled 949 classroom projects; providing 1,386 teachers in 1,089 schools with their classroom needs, and impacting 143,053 students throughout the U.S. Additionally, Staples customers have donated $150,000 to date to DonorsChoose.org at Staples stores and at www.staples.com/makeroarhappen. Donations will be accepted until Sept. 25, 2014.

"We're thrilled with the results of the 'Make Roar Happen' program," said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president, North American stores and online marketing, Staples. "With the help of our customers, we touched thousands of teachers and students. Working with Katy Perry, we helped ensure teachers and students have what they need in their classrooms for a successful year."

Staples Canada, with the help of Katy Perry, raised more than $1.4 million as part of its Annual School Supply Drive, setting a new record for the campaign. The drive helps Canadian students who lack resources and is based on partnerships with almost 200 charitable groups throughout Canada, including Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Kiwanis and the United Way. Staples locations invited donations, with 100 percent of donations directed to students in need. The Annual School Supply Drive, now in its ninth year, has raised close to $10 million.

"Our associates are delighted to be active in the community," said Steve Matyas, president of Staples Canada. "And they never cease to amaze me. They've embraced our school supply drive and passed along their enthusiasm to our customers. Having Katy Perry's support has been invaluable. Together, we're making more happen for Canadian students, teachers and schools."

"It was exciting for me to be able to reward people for their attention to education, something contests rarely focus on," said Katy Perry. "I got to interact with the teachers and the students, and hear how these donations are making a difference in classrooms. I'm proud of my fans for supporting Make Roar Happen, and I'm proud that I get to shine my light on something truly impactful."

"We are extremely grateful for all the support from Staples, its loyal customers, and Katy Perry, helping teachers and students across the U.S.," said Charles Best, Founder and CEO, DonorsChoose.org. "We've heard directly from many teachers about how the 'Make Roar Happen' program has made a lasting impact for both them and their students."

"Together with national partners like Staples Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada help students who face barriers every day," said Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. "We are very grateful for the support of Staples Canada in providing back-to-school materials for deserving children and youth."