MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -

NextGear Capital Canada and its parent company, Cox Automotive Canada, have been working with Boys and Girls Clubs of Peel for a school supply drive to help local folks in need.

During the “Ready … Set … School!” drive, which was set to end last week, NextGear was able to beat its target goal by three times the original goal, the company said.

“For students living in poverty, the right school supplies are often a luxury instead of a necessity,” NextGear Capital Canada national vice president Jerome Dwight said in a news release.

“Social responsibility and ethical practices are vital to our success, and our team members wanted to positively contribute to the community we work in. I think their donations really showed that.”

Added Emma Pye, project manager lead for NextGear Capital Canada: “Back to school shopping can put a very real financial strain on families. Education is an important social concern, and this 'Ready … Set … School!' initiative gave us all an opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through a simple act of donating school supplies.”