November 26, 2007 - 9:52pm — marina
Ashoka and Staples Foundation for Learning Expand Youth Venture in Belgium and Canada
Press Release
Ashoka and Staples Foundation for Learning Expand Youth Venture in Belgium and Canada
ARLINGTON, VA (November 19, 2007) –Ashoka, a global organization with a 26-year history and network of more than 1,800 social entrepreneurs serving 70 countries, today announced it has successfully launched its Youth Venture program in Belgium and Canada. Youth Venture is an initiative that is investing in and catalyzing a movement of young changemakers. Its entrance into these two countries is made possible through Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS), which is supporting the global expansion of Youth Venture. In 2006, SFFL began its partnership with Ashoka with a $500,000 grant to launch Youth Venture in five countries where Staples operates, including: France, Germany, Spain, Argentina and Brazil. This year, an additional $500,000 grant was given to expand the program in each of these countries and launch it in Belgium and Canada.
“This exciting and growing partnership highlights the power of entrepreneurship,” said Bill Drayton, founder and chief executive officer of Ashoka. “Together, Staples Foundation for Learning and Youth Venture are showing how powerful organizations and societies are built and run by changemakers.”
Youth Venture encourages young people to start their own sustainable social ventures and connects them into a powerful global network. The vision of the program is that every young person can be a change maker. Through Youth Venture, Ashoka and Staples Foundation for Learning have seen energy and idealism in youth and the powerful change they can make when pursuing big challenges.
“The global collaboration between Staples and Ashoka recognizes and supports young people who are addressing social issues and creating positive change in their communities,” said Steve Matyas, president of Staples Business Depot Canada.
“Over the past two years, Staples Foundation for Learning has launched Youth Venture in seven countries and together, we are empowering young people all over the world by giving them the opportunity to take initiative and make a lasting impact in their communities,” said Theo van Brandenburg, president of Staples European Retail.
About Staples
Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 69,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2005 sales of $16.1 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 21 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates more than 1,800 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. For more information, please visit www.staples.com.
About Staples Soul
Staples Soul reflects our commitment to corporate responsibility. It's a holistic approach to business that recognizes the close connection between our financial success and our desire to make a positive impact on our associates, communities, and the planet by joining together the following areas: diversity, the environment, our community, and ethics. It's how we do business-that's Staples Soul.
About Staples Foundation for Learning
The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. is to teach, train and inspire. Founded in 2002, the foundation has contributed over $8.5 million dollars to national and local charities that provide educational opportunities and job skills for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Staples Foundation for Learning has also developed lasting relationships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Earth Force, Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. In 2006, Staples Foundation for Learning expanded its reach globally by seeding the international growth of Youth Venture. For more information about the foundation or how to apply for a grant, please visit www.staplesfoundation.org.