A New Way of Thinking About CSR: Adopting a School and Watching it Grow

Toronto's Market Lane Public School and local software firm SAS Canada work to redefine how partnerships can better benefit students and schools

Toronto, ON  (08 Dec. 2011)  – Today Market Lane Public School and SAS Canada unveiled the latest stage in an ongoing three-year partnership: a refurbished courtyard complete with a brand new playground.

The courtyard revitalization was partially funded by SAS, whose employees have built close ties with the school since moving its Canadian headquarters to the St Lawrence community. Over the past few years SAS employees have spent thousands of hours volunteering at the school to support various programs, improvements and initiatives.

Principal Marcus Peron said the children respond positively to the various programs and activities. "It's not just about the donations; it's about the investment of time SAS has made," he said. "That's what contributes to a vibrant, healthy community: schools, parents, and organizations like SAS working together for the benefit of students."

SAS employees have wholeheartedly embraced the school, catering to students needs in many non-traditional ways such as hosting the school’s annual Grade 8 graduation party on the company’s rooftop terrace, to more traditional means of support like participating in the school’s reading buddy program and helping out with its learn-to-skate initiative. 

The school's courtyard is used by students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 every day for outdoor play and recess as well as the St. Lawrence Daycare. The newly refurbished courtyard now showcases a new playground that meets safety regulations and provides the proper green space and equipment for children to play traditional ball and other related outdoor games.

Market Lane Public School has a diverse population of 452 students in grades kindergarten through eight. Situated in a transitional and developing area of the city, the school ranks 86 out of 500 on the Learning Opportunity Index, a system the Toronto District School  Board uses to rank each school from most to least needy -- the lower the number, the higher the need. Market Lane Public School is also part of the TDSB’s Model Schools For Inner Cities initiative. The Model Schools for Inner Cities are located in many of the communities identified by the City of Toronto as "Priority Neighbourhoods." These are communities that need more support and resources in order to thrive. The factors used to identify inner city schools include: family income (measured different ways); level of parent education, and number of lone-parent families. It was these variables that led SAS to adopt the school as its main philanthropic focus. What started as one project in tutoring has evolved into an array of fundraisers and activities aimed at improving the lives and educational experiences of children, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds. 

“Education has always been a cornerstone of the SAS culture and value system, so it was only fitting that we looked to partner with a local school,” said Carl Farrell, Executive Vice President SAS Americas.  “The most remarkable outcome out of the partnership with Market Lane Public School has come from the time that we have spent with the students, not the money raised. It has been a two way street – we hopefully have helped inspire students as much as they have inspired us with their dedication to learning.”

About SAS

Back to Recent SAS Press Releases

Copyright © SAS Institute Inc. All Rights Reserved.