On Thursday, March 2, corporate partners joined Darrin Pike, Director of Education for the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, to announce the final totals for community fundraising efforts following the devastating fire at Bay d'Espoir Academy.

After the January 17th fires that leveled a number of community buildings in Milltown, Derek Winsor of Travel Professional International - E and B Travel Service rallied a number of community partners to help generate supplies and funds to replace many of the items teachers, staff, and students lost in the blaze.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union came on-board to assist through their foundation and Chief Executive Officer Allison Chaytor-Loveys noted it was fitting that on March 2, officially their 60th anniversary, their members were able to give back to the community through a $3,000 donation to the District's Education Foundation earmarked for Bay D'Espoir Academy.

General Manager of Staples Canada's Stavanger Drive Store, Janet Rumsey was pleased with the outpouring of support from customers and patrons to their stores in Newfoundland and Labrador, announcing a total of $11,275 in funds, in addition to a host of supplies purchased specifically for the K-12 school.

Director Pike thanked those involved, sharing with them the progress students and staff have made in settling into their temporary location in the community and getting back into the classroom. He noted that in trying circumstances, it is amazing to see such a dedicated effort for our citizens to help our students in times of need.