Second Annual Give 4 Grades School Supply Drive: Bigger, Bolder, and More Impactful Than Ever
There’s nothing quite like seeing a child walk into their classroom on the first day of school, beaming with pride because they have everything they need to thrive. That’s the heart behind our Second Annual Give 4 Grades School Supply Drive, held on July 17, 2025—to make sure that every child starts the school year prepared, confident, and full of possibility.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, the dedication of our Tutor Teach volunteers, and our continued partnership with the Bissell Centre, we collected 1,158 school supply items this year—nearly tripling last year’s total. From 146 binders and 28 backpacks to 128 duotangs, 161 notebooks, 54 glue sticks, and so much more, each item represents a tangible investment in a child’s confidence, learning, and future.
A Community United by Purpose
The day kicked off bright and early as our volunteers came together to sort, pack, and prepare each donation with care. From colourful backpacks filled with notebooks to boxes of markers, glue sticks, and calculators—every item was selected with the goal of giving students a strong, confident start to the year.
One of the most inspiring parts of the day? The people who showed up to support. We picked up donations from families, retirees, university students, local business owners—individuals from all walks of life, all united by one belief: every child deserves a fair shot at learning.
“There are 45,000 children in Edmonton that are living in poverty. That's twice the capacity of the Rogers Place. So when you think about that many kiddos have barriers to their everyday, this [Give 4 Grades] is gonna have an immediate impact.”
- Jonathan Mackereth, Development Officer, Bissell Centre.
More Than Just Supplies
What makes Give 4 Grades so special isn’t just the quantity of donations—it’s the message they send. That you matter. You belong here. You’re ready. For a child who may otherwise feel left behind, that sense of belonging can change everything.
For a child who may otherwise feel left behind, that simple act of being seen and supported can make all the difference. By the end of the day, we had packed 28 fully stocked backpacks for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with remaining items being distributed directly to families through Bissell’s family services and child-care spaces.
“They [the community] stood by the mission of supporting young minds and helping them grow in their education. The goal is to help people understand the needs that exist—and inspire more to participate.”
- Lara Courtepatte, co-founder of Tutor Teach, in an interview with CTV News
Thank You to Our Champions
This drive wouldn’t be possible without our incredible partner and supporters:
The Bissell Centre, for their continued commitment to supporting families through every stage of life.
Our Tutor Teach volunteers, who brought so much heart and energy to this year’s event.
Every donor, every share, every kind word—you made this happen.
Sharing the Story with the Broader Community
We were honoured to have several media outlets join us on-site to help share the heart behind Give 4 Grades and amplify the importance of back-to-school readiness for every child.
CTV Edmonton was first to report on the event, highlighting the generosity of our community and the real impact these supplies have on students and families. We were also joined by Global Edmonton, Edmonton Journal, and Sherwood Park News. You can read the Sherwood Park News article here. Coverage from the remaining outlets will be linked as it becomes available.
Looking Ahead
At Tutor Teach, we believe that no child should be held back by something as solvable as a lack of school supplies. Education should be a door opener, not a barrier.
We’re already planning for 2026—with even bigger goals and a continued promise: to stand with families, uplift students, and rally our community to do the same.
Want to see the joy, behind-the-scenes moments, and the heart behind the mission? Head to our Instagram @tutorteachofficial for photos, videos, and stories from the day.
Because when we equip a child with the tools they need to succeed, we’re not just setting them up for a great school year—we’re helping them believe in their own potential.
And that’s something worth showing up for. Every year. Every child.
