What to know
- Teachers across Canada are asking brands for basic classroom supplies, such as electric sharpeners and sticky notes.
- Content creator Olya Gulakova launched the ‘three classroom wishes’ initiative after teachers reached out for help.
- Many educators pay for supplies out of their own pockets as school budgets fall short.
- Brands are being encouraged to send PR packages directly to teachers and classrooms, not just influencers.
As back-to-school season approaches, a Canadian content creator is urging brands to stop sending their PR packages to influencers, and instead direct them to classrooms.
Content creator Olya Gulakova is known for her beauty content, but when a teacher reached out to her about the lack of school supplies in her classroom for families who might not be able to afford them, Gulakova decided to use her platform to inspire brands to fill classrooms with PR packages.
It all started with a DM from a St. Catherine’s teacher, Jane.
In her message, she told Gulakova that she’s taking on her first homeroom, meaning she’ll need to build it from scratch.
“I work at a school that serves many students and families who face financial challenges,” she added.
But to allow her students to still get a fun, engaging and meaningful learning experience, she needs to build her classroom from scratch, which comes with a hefty price tag.
“It’s not a one-teacher issue. There are so many teachers and kids who need help. You don’t realize how many kids can’t afford to buy supplies, so teachers themselves have to spend their money so they can give back to the community,” Gulakova told Now Toronto.
What do teachers need?
Gulakova asked teachers online, and the majority said they needed an electric pencil sharpener, sticky notes, pencils, glue and Sharpies. But the most requested item, she said, shocked, was electric sharpeners.
“It’s 2026, and schools still don’t have electric sharpeners. I was shocked,” she said.
Gulakova explained that she had assumed the needs would be technology-based, for things like tablets and computers, but the requests for basic items were shocking to her.
“There are so many families that can’t even afford to buy basic suppl[ies] from Walmart, and I wish our government would actually help those families and our schools,” she added.
How is Gulakova planning to get kids and teachers these supplies?
To combat the issue, the Gulakova is requesting that PR packages that would otherwise be delivered to influencers be sent to classrooms.
“We’re not asking for the money. We’re not fundraising. We’re asking brands to send PR packages to the classrooms, or to teachers,” she explained.
At the time of publication, Gulakova had secured help from Flying Tiger Coppenhagen, and she’s still hoping for packages from Walmart, Staples, Canadian Tire, Hillary’s, Elmer’s, Crayola, and any other businesses ready to help.
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Gulakova is giving back
But that’s not all, Gulakova’s also planning to give a special something to teachers. As a beauty content creator, she’s aiming to give teachers a day to treat themselves to makeup and other beauty products.
“I want to do a giveaway for teachers where I will pick three winners and send them a PR package with beauty products to start their year,” she explained.
She also has a message for those who have dedicated their careers to shaping young minds.
“Thank you for doing what you’re doing because you care about your job and kids, and it means a lot because we all know that kids are our future,” Gulakova thanked.
