Staples 2005 Annual Report Download - page 11

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5
xThrough Staples Foundation for Learning’s support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Torch
Clubs program, 1,166 new Torch Clubs have been created, serving more than 12,800
disadvantaged youth.
Cause-Related Programs
xStaples supports Boys & Girls Clubs of America through the annual back to school cause
marketing program called Supplies for School Kids, in which customers donate money to
purchase basic school supplies for Boys & Girls Clubs of America members across the country.
Since the program began four years ago, Staples has donated more than $2 million in school
supplies to Boys & Girls Clubs youth.
xStaples sells the Easy Button™ in our stores, with 100% of all proceeds, up to $2 million through
the end of fiscal year 2006, going to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
In-Kind Donations
xSince 2004, Staples has donated more than $7.3 million worth of office products to nonprofit
organizations in communities throughout the United States. In Staples stores, managers develop
relationships with local charities and donate products to meet their needs. In addition, Staples
Distribution and Fulfillment Centers provide much needed supplies to organizations such as
SHOPA Kids in Need Resource Centers and Crayons to Computers.
Diversity
Staples fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, providing our 69,000 associates with the
support they need to learn, grow, and reach their potential. To us, diversity isn’t just about race and
gender: it’s about creating a company culture that is a living and evolving mosaic of people, experiences
and thought. Diversity empowers our people to make meaningful and personal contributions that will
continue to support our future growth as we seek to become the world’s best office products company.
Diversity of people…our customers and associates
In every market where we have a presence, we believe in reflecting the face of our customers through our
associates. We now operate in 21 countries and on four continents. To meet our objectives globally, we
need to deeply understand the different cultures, perspectives, and business needs of the countries and
regions in which we operate. Our customers come to us with a wide array of ethnic backgrounds, ages,
genders, cultures, lifestyles, beliefs, and philosophies, and so do our associates. This shared diversity
deepens and enriches the relationships we have with our customers, whether they are start-up businesses
or Fortune 500 companies. It is one way Staples strives to make meaningful connections in the
communities where we conduct business.
Diversity of experiences
The concept of diversity is far-reaching at Staples, and we value the perspectives, backgrounds, and range
of experiences that our associates bring to the company. Our people, of course, represent a wide array of
cultures and ethnic backgrounds, but they also represent a variety of life experiences, from those just
starting out in their careers to those who have been with the company since it was founded in 1986. We
believe that employing associates with a wide range of work and life experiences enables us to think more
creatively as an organization and gives us the flexibility needed to adapt to changing market conditions.
Diversity of thought
We see diversity of thought as a powerful differentiator. We value, recognize, and reward innovative
thinking and actively encourage people to think creatively in developing new business solutions.