Painting Beacon Hill School Thanks to Canadian Tire Corporation
There’s paint on Krista Tosello’s shirt, and hands. And, an ever-present smile on her face as she helps paint Beacon Hill Public School along with 30 members of the Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC).
She was on the volunteer team comprised of CTC store staff from Canadian Tire, Sport Chek and Mark’s - employees who were local, and from Toronto as well as Calgary. The group painted 90 per cent of the school on August 15 and 16, 2017 with 100 gallons of Premier Paint donated by CTC.
Tosello is the Category Business Analyst for the corporation, and works for the head office in Toronto. When asked to join the volunteer team, she and her coworkers had no hesitation.
“We watched from Toronto last year as the wildfires unfolded, and jumped at the chance to give back. It was a pleasure to participate. We got to know some of the locals, and everyone is so wonderful in Fort McMurray,” explained Tosello, who has been with CTC for two years.
Beacon Hill Public School is an estimated 3000 square meters. Over the two days, volunteers painted portions of the entire school including 11 classrooms, six bathrooms all the hallways, library and the office space.
Local Canadian Tire Associate Dealer, Ray McDonald was on hand to paint the school. He was pleasantly surprised when the Canadian Tire Corporation head office in Toronto called to pitch the paint event.
“They said we’ve introduced a new line of paint - how about putting a little love in every gallon, and getting some volunteers from the corporation to paint a school?” he recalled.
“We wanted to help Beacon Hill Public School with a fresh start as it was especially hit hard by the wildfires, closed for an entire year. It’s great to see our employees coming together for this,” McDonald added.
Chief Deputy Superintendent, Phil Meagher appreciated the volunteers.
“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude. I’m estimating painting a school would be $250,000 for us, which we can’t afford due to last year’s events. This is a professional job, and it’s almost like a new school. It’ll be great to see the kids’ faces when they come through on September 5, the first day of school. It’s bright and beautiful; and a super way to start the year,” Meagher enthused.
Ceilidh McMeekin, Communications Advisor, Canadian Tire Corporation accompanied the volunteers. She spoke about CTC’s long-standing relationship with Fort McMurray.
“Canadian Tire Corporation has long been a strong community partner in Fort McMurray. Last May Canadian Tire Corporation was one of the first groups to support the community. Canadian Tire and the local dealer network worked to provide those impacted with essential products needed to provide relief including over 220,000 bottles of drinking water to emergency shelters in Lac La Biche, Northland and St. Paul. Further, our dealers across Canada donated over $200,000 in addition to over $250,000 donated to the Red Cross in gift cards.”
“Now, just over a year later, CTC is excited to assist with this very special refresh project for Beacon Hill Public School. The school reopening is an important milestone in Beacon Hill’s renewal and a fresh coat of paint will create a warm and welcoming environment for students, teachers, and staff who are returning next month.”
Nancy Ball, Principal, Beacon Hill Public School thanked CTC.
“We are truly thankful to the Canadian Tire Corporation for stepping forward for this project. Students and staff will enter a school refreshed and ready to welcome them back. This fresh coat of paint will brighten our learning environments for a new school year. How wonderful that our Beacon Hill School receive this generous outreach of support from a Canadian corporation whose slogan, Made for Life in Canada, has extended to a fresh start, Made for Learning in Beacon Hill School.”
Thank you, CTC and all volunteers.
