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PIE Education backpack program kicks off with $10K donation

Program began on Thursday as more than 1,000 backpacks were stocked with supplied for students
BarrieToday Staff

NEWS RELEASE
PIE EDUCATION
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Former Member of Parliament and co-founder of Providing Instruments for Excellence (PIE) in Education, Alex Nuttall, has partnered with PIE Wood Fired Pizza Joint to fill backpacks with school supplies to local children in need as another school year approaches. 

“Inflation is hitting Barrie families hard. Now, more than ever we need to create practical solutions to fight poverty amongst youth in our community.” Said, Nuttall.

On Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, with the help of 40 volunteers, over 1,000 backpacks were packed with various school supplies and materials ready for students to kick off the 2022 school year.

 “Going back to school is an exciting time for students, but it can also be a point of contention for families who are struggling to make ends meet following the pandemic,” said Nuttall. “The vision that PIE Restaurant and I have is that kids going back to school can do so with confidence, knowing that they have the right tools to succeed.”

“We believe every child should have access to these basic necessities, and with the help of our extremely generous supporters, we’ve been able to get more and more backpacks on kid's shoulders every year,” added Craig Russell, co-founder of PIE Education.

On Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, PIE Education was presented with a $10,000 donation generated from some of the funds raised during The Boots and Hearts Barn Burner Charity Hockey Game, combined with an additional $10,000 raised from the fundraising efforts of PIE Wood Fire Pizza Joint in Barrie. 

Background:

The initiative marks the 12th annual PIE Education backpack program, of which Nuttall and Russell have been co-organizers since 2010. Providing Instruments for Excellence (PIE) in Education is a community-focused program designed for kids growing up in government-subsidized housing, providing students with the necessary materials for educational success for the upcoming school year.  

During the program's 12-year history, the organization has provided over 17,500 backpacks to children in the community.

Co-founders drew inspiration for the organization from Nuttall’s experience growing up in government housing. As a child, Nuttall’s family received assistance from various local community groups and recognized an opportunity to give back to the people and programs that helped him.

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