Paris Home Building Centre lends a hand to local students with backpack donation

Staff at Paris Home Building Centre gather in front of the store with some of the 100 backpacks they packed and donated to the Salvation Army through the PIE Education program, helping local students start the school year prepared for success. Pictured from left to right: Hannah M, Todd Lucek, Jeff Woods, Willliam Ratelband, representing the Salvation Army, Jake Cerson, representing the County of Brant and Lance Hnat.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

As local families prepared for the return to school this fall, Paris Home Building Centre stepped up to help ease the transition by donating 100 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to the Salvation Army.

The initiative is part of the PIE Education program, which since 2010 has provided more than 27,500 backpacks to students across Ontario communities. This marks the second consecutive year that Paris Home Building Centre has partnered with the program.

“PIE Education’s mission aligns with ours,” said Dealer-Owner Adam Moulton. “It’s about ensuring local children have the tools they need to start the school year with confidence and set them up for long-term success. Together, we’re building stronger communities, one backpack at a time.”

Each backpack was filled with practical, age-appropriate supplies such as notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, glue sticks and scissors. 

While the backpacks were a visible outcome, Moulton said it was the dedication of Paris Home Building Centre staff that truly brought the initiative to life. Employees volunteered their time to sort, pack and organize all 100 backpacks, carefully ensuring each was filled with the right supplies. Beyond packing, staff also handled logistics — from gathering materials to coordinating delivery and pickup.

“It was truly a team effort,” said Moulton. “Our staff rallied together around a shared goal: supporting local students and making a positive impact in our community. Their commitment shows how much this initiative means not only to our customers but to the people who work here every day.”

Moulton said the donation helps reduce financial pressures on families while giving students the confidence that comes with being prepared. “Just as importantly, these backpacks show students that their community cares and supports their education,” he said.

The program was delivered in partnership with the Salvation Army and the County of Brant to ensure supplies reached students who need them most.

Paris Home Building Centre’s commitment to supporting local youth goes beyond the backpack program. The store also sponsors school events and sports teams, offers internships and job-shadowing opportunities for high school students, and contributes to school programs.

“Our goal is to invest in the next generation,” Moulton said. “When we support our students, we’re helping strengthen our entire community.”