Local group joins with Leafs captain for kids' backpack program

NEWS RELEASE
PIE EDUCATION
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Providing Instruments for Excellence (PIE) Education, a charitable initiative committed to empowering youth in education, is proud to partner with Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares and Aryne Tavares, through the John Tavares Foundation, along with Progress for Mental Health, to provide backpacks for underprivileged children.

This year’s initiative aims to distribute over 3,300 backpacks throughout Barrie, Rexdale and Ottawa filled with essential school supplies ensuring that children in need start the upcoming school year on the path to success.

“We believe that every child deserves access to a quality education and a fair chance to succeed,” said Alex Nuttall, co-founder of PIE Education. “Through our backpack program, we aim to remove barriers that hinder children’s educational journey from disadvantaged backgrounds and provide them with the resources they need to achieve their full potential. We’re thrilled to partner with the John Tavares Foundation and Progress for Mental Health to further our reach in getting more bags onto the backs of youth who wouldn’t otherwise have the supplies they need this upcoming school year.”

“It’s extremely heartwarming to see the program grow and expand,” added Craig Russell, co-founder of PIE Education.

“With the help of our extremely generous supporters, we’ve been able to get more and more backpacks with all the necessities on kids’ shoulders every year,” said Angela Pidutti, co-owner of PIE Wood Fired Pizza Joint.

Tavares, a well-respected figure both on and off the ice, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and expressed excitement to involve the John Tavares Foundation in this program, and will be joining Nuttall in packing backpacks on Aug. 9, 2023, at the Sadlon Arena in Barrie.

Individuals can visit www.piewoodpizza.com/edu for more information.

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