3200 children receive backpacks from the 2010 Bell Aliant "Backpacks for Kids" program
Bell Aliant employees, retirees and Pioneer Volunteers have filled and distributed 15,000 backpacks since
2003
ST. JOHN'S, Sept. 7 2010 --
backpacks to over 200 organizations in six provinces as part of Bell Aliant's "Backpacks for Kids" program,
just in time for back to school.
"Since 2003, over 15,000 backpacks have been distributed in six provinces to children in need with the Bell
Aliant "Backpacks for Kids" program," said Karen Sheriff, president and CEO of Bell Aliant. "The continued
success of this program truly demonstrates the generosity of Bell Aliant, our employees, retirees, Pioneer
Volunteers and community partners in making life better for children in our communities."
Now in its seventh year, the Bell Aliant "Backpacks for Kids" program is a company-wide initiative. Bell
Aliant purchases the backpacks and employees, retirees and Pioneer Volunteers generously fill them with
brand new school supplies to help ensure children in the region have the tools they need to start off the
school year successfully.
Each backpack is valued at approximately $50. Once filled, the packpacks are distributed to schools and
community groups across Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario for deserving school children.
"We have been very fortunate over the past few years to partner with the Bell Aliant "Backpacks for Kids"
program and provide families of our organization with much-needed school supplies," said Holly White,
Settlement Worker in the Schools Program, one of the recipient organizations in Newfoundland and
Labrador. "Programs like this make such a difference for parents and children at the beginning of the school
year."
Employees and Pioneer Volunteers across the six provinces filled and distributed backpacks across the
entire Bell Aliant region. The provincial breakdowns for the Bell Aliant 2010 "Backpacks for Kids" program
are as follows:
- Newfoundland and Labrador 456
- New Brunswick 771
- Nova Scotia 823
- Prince Edward Island 60
- Quebec 114
- Ontario 1005
Total: 3229
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About Bell Aliant
Bell Aliant (TSX: BA.UN) is one of North America's largest regional communications providers and the first
company in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology with its FibreOP(TM)
services. Through its operating entities it serves customers in six Canadian provinces with innovative
information, communication and technology services including voice, data, Internet, video and value-added
business solutions. Through its xwave offices, Bell Aliant also provides IT professional services and
advanced technology solutions. Bell Aliant's employees deliver the highest quality of customer service,
choice and convenience.
For further information: Anna Peddle, Bell Aliant Public Affairs, 888-818-6825, anna.peddle@bellaliant.ca
SOURCE Bell Aliant