Staples Canada is taking its back-to-school campaign on the road this August with the launch of the Back to School Made EASY Bus. The travelling experience showcases interactive technology demonstrations, curated learning supplies, and expert advice designed to help families navigate the modern classroom.
The initiative begins at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), where Staples will donate classroom supplies through the hospital’s Sponsor a Family program. Families identified by social workers as being in need will receive items to support learning both at home and in hospital. Patient ambassadors and their families will also explore the EASY Bus, gaining hands-on experience with educational tools as they prepare for a new school year.
This donation aligns with the 20th annual Staples School Supply Drive, which has raised more than $17 million in partnership with United Way Centraide and the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada. Over two decades, the program has provided thousands of students across the country with essentials to start the school year with confidence.
“Donations like this bring meaningful support to patients and families as they prepare for the school year,” said Iris Garcia, a registered social worker at The Hospital for Sick Children. “We appreciate Staples’ commitment to making a difference.”
Hands-On Technology and School Essentials
Visitors to the Staples EASY Bus will encounter an array of educational innovations. Demonstrations include noise-cancelling headphones, AI-driven learning tools, and the chance to test products at an interactive pen-to-paper bar. Staples associates will also be on hand to provide expert guidance, reinforcing the company’s role as a destination for back-to-school readiness.
Guests can also take part in the Tech Trade-in by Allstate program, exchanging older electronics for Staples gift cards valued up to $500. The program helps families save on upgrades while reducing electronic waste, reflecting a growing emphasis on affordability and sustainability. Each visitor will also receive a coupon for in-store shopping, adding value to the overall experience.
“Back to school looks different today, and we’re bringing that experience directly to families with the Back to School Made EASY Bus,” said Brian McDougall, Interim CEO and Chief Retail Officer, Staples Canada. “From hands-on demos to expert advice and the latest in educational tech, the EASY Bus is designed to help families feel confident and prepared for the modern classroom.”
Greater Toronto Area Tour
The EASY Bus will travel across the Greater Toronto Area throughout late August. The schedule includes:
- Thursday, August 21, at King Street West and Spadina Avenue, Toronto
- Friday, August 22, at Scarborough Town Centre
- Saturday, August 23, at Toronto Nautical Harbour Centre
- Sunday, August 24, at Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills
Each stop will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering parents and students convenient access to the experience.
Staples’ Wider Back-to-School Solutions
The EASY Bus complements Staples Canada’s broader back-to-school programs. In-store technology experts, trained by Microsoft, Google, Samsung, and Apple, help families navigate an ever-growing array of devices. Staples curates solutions by features and capabilities, enabling parents to find what best suits their children’s needs.
Alongside technology support, Staples has committed to keeping classroom basics affordable. Essential supplies are priced from 25 cents, with weekly promotions and price matching available throughout the season. Educators receive added discounts, while the School Tools program provides bundled supplies with special savings for parents.
Shopping flexibility is also a focus, with options ranging from same-day delivery through DoorDash and Instacart to buy-online-pick-up-in-store services. Whether browsing grade-specific tools online or visiting one of Staples’ 298 locations nationwide, families can expect a consistent emphasis on convenience and value.
Supporting Canadian Communities
Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Staples Canada positions itself as The Working and Learning Company. Its network includes retail stores, the Staples.ca e-commerce platform, Staples Print and shipping services, and Staples Studio co-working spaces. Through fundraising efforts such as Even the Odds, the company also invests in addressing health inequities across Canadian communities.
By combining community engagement with practical retail solutions, Staples Canada aims to make back-to-school a seamless experience for families nationwide. The EASY Bus highlights this strategy, bringing products, expertise, and charitable giving together under one mobile platform.
