A Day Made Better: Extraordinary Teachers Honoured by OfficeMax Grand & Toy

<safcop>A Day Made Better program recognizes teachers for their ability to inspire students with creative and innovative teaching, both inside and outside the classroom

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian teachers on average spend $453 of their own money to fund classroom needs, such as supplies or classroom activities 1. To help ease the burden, Canadian office solutions provider OfficeMax Grand & Toy today announced it is surprising six public school teachers across the country with $9,000 total worth of classroom supplies through its 2013 annual A Day Made Better program.

Today marks the 5th year of A Day Made Better, in which OfficeMax Grand & Toy associates surprise teachers at their schools with $1,500 worth of school supplies. The national program aims to relieve and support primary school teachers who spend their own money on much-needed classroom supplies.

"Teachers are often the unsung heroes of the community," said Ron McDougall, General Manager, OfficeMax Grand & Toy. "They are an exceptionally dedicated group of individuals whose love of teaching shows through by how much they go above and beyond while educating Canada's youth. 'A Day Made Better' is one way OfficeMax Grand & Toy works to give back to the communities and teachers it serves."

The national A Day Made Better program has received hundreds of nominations from across the country since its inception. This year's winners were recognized for, among other things, their use of technology in the classroom, working closely with parents to keep them up-to-date on their child's progress, and being actively involved in the communities where they teach.

This year's honoured teachers come from cities and towns across the country including: Canmore AB, Middle Sackville NS, Orangeville ON, Waterloo ON, and Winnipeg.

Prize
Each recognized teacher receives a box of assorted school supplies valued at $1,500 for use in their classroom, including a Kodak Easy share camera, a Sony ZS-S4iPB Boom box with iPOD cradle, an ergonomic chair donated by Safco Products, and a Dymo Label Printer 450.

Judging Process
The Selection Committee includes select staff from OfficeMax Grand & Toy. Entries are graded based on a variety of attributes including the teacher's passion and commitment to sustainability, and their innovation and inspiration in the classroom.

About OfficeMax Grand & Toy
OfficeMax Grand & Toy is a leading provider of workplace products and solutions serving business to business and retail customers in Canada for over 130 years. From the latest technology, interiors and furniture, everyday office supplies and facility resources to a wide range of print and document services, we provide workplace innovation that enables our customers to work better.

A part of OfficeMax family since 1996, the company has the expertise and consolidated product and supply chain leadership to provide customers big and small with a range of superior products and services across North America. OfficeMax customers are served by approximately 29,000 associates and more than 900 retail stores globally. OfficeMax has been named one of the 2013 World's Most Ethical Companies, and is the only company in the office supply industry to receive Ethics Inside® Certification by the Ethisphere Institute.

1 According to survey results released by the Canadian Teachers' Federation.

SOURCE OfficeMax Grand

For further information:

Media Contact:
Sabena Singh
Environics Communications
ssingh@environicspr.com
416.969.2735

Source: Newswire