Staples Canada's New Cookie Fights Health Inequity One Bite at a Time

RICHMOND HILL, ON – May 04, 2026 – Staples Canada has introduced a novel way for its customers to contribute to a national cause: a cookie. The office supply giant today launched the limited-edition "Even the Odds Care Cookie," a simple, made-in-Canada treat with a profound purpose. Proceeds from every cookie sold will support MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, the country's largest research centre focused on health equity, in its mission to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent many Canadians from achieving good health.

This initiative is the latest chapter in a multi-year partnership between Staples and MAP called "Even the Odds." Since its inception in 2021, the campaign has become a significant force in corporate philanthropy, raising over $9 million to fund evidence-based programs that address the root causes of health disparities. The Care Cookie aims to build on this momentum, transforming a routine shopping trip into an opportunity for meaningful social impact.

"Health inequity touches far too many people across Canada, and through Even the Odds, Staples and our customers are helping to change that," said Adrian Lang, Chief People and Legal Officer at Staples Canada, in a statement. "The Care Cookie turns a simple, everyday purchase into real impact—because when our customers choose to support this initiative, they're directly funding programs that improve lives and are making a meaningful difference in their communities."

A Cookie with a Cause

Baked in partnership with Cookie It Up, a Canadian bakery based in Aurora, Ontario, the Care Cookie was developed as a dedicated fundraising vehicle for the Even the Odds campaign. The collaboration extends a nearly decade-long business relationship between the two companies, grounding the national campaign in local Canadian production. For $4.99, customers can purchase a cookie, with the proceeds directly funneling into MAP's comprehensive suite of health equity programs.

This model of consumer-driven philanthropy leverages the retailer's vast network of nearly 300 stores, making participation accessible to millions of Canadians. It taps into a growing consumer desire to support brands that align with their values, offering a tangible product that carries a story of social good. The simplicity of the act—adding a cookie to a purchase—belies the complexity of the issues it helps to address, from food insecurity and homelessness to unequal access to healthcare.

Beyond the Bottom Line: A Multi-Year Commitment to Health Equity

The "Even the Odds" partnership is a case study in the evolution of corporate social responsibility, moving beyond one-off donations toward sustained, strategic investment in systemic change. What began in 2021 as a three-year, $3-million commitment has blossomed into a long-term alliance that has consistently surpassed its fundraising goals, now cresting the $9 million mark.

This sustained financial support, bolstered by in-store and online donations from customers and vendor-partners, has provided MAP with the stability and resources needed to not only maintain its groundbreaking work but to scale it significantly. This long-view approach distinguishes the initiative within the Canadian retail landscape, where long-term partnerships focused on complex social determinants of health are becoming a new benchmark for meaningful corporate citizenship. By embedding the campaign within its core operations—from checkout donations to dedicated products like the Care Cookie—Staples Canada has demonstrated a deep integration of its social mission with its business strategy.

From Funding to the Front Lines: How the Partnership Fuels Change

The more than $9 million raised through "Even the Odds" is not an abstract figure; it translates directly into expanded services for vulnerable populations across the country. The funding has been instrumental in the growth of MAP's key evidence-based programs, allowing them to reach new communities and help thousands of Canadians.

One such program, Navigator, provides critical support for individuals experiencing homelessness upon their discharge from a hospital. A dedicated outreach counselor helps them manage follow-up care, find shelter, and access financial aid, breaking a debilitating cycle of poor health and housing instability. Originally piloted in Toronto, funding from "Even the Odds" enabled its expansion to Vancouver's St. Paul's Hospital and will support a planned launch in Montreal.

For children, the APPLE Schools initiative promotes healthier habits in underserved communities. The program, which has already supported nearly 5,000 children, expanded from Alberta into Ontario elementary schools thanks to the partnership, helping to establish lifelong wellness from an early age.

Other innovative solutions include Our Healthbox, a network of 'smart' vending machines that dispense free health supplies like HIV self-tests and naloxone kits in discreet, accessible locations. The campaign's funding helped launch the first machines in New Brunswick, with further expansion planned for other Atlantic provinces. Meanwhile, the Healthy Food Prescription program, a landmark research trial, tests the efficacy of prescribing grocery vouchers to low-income patients with diabetes, directly tackling the intersection of food insecurity and chronic disease.

Dr. Stephen Hwang, MAP's director, lauded the partnership's transformative effect. "Thanks to Even the Odds, MAP has been able to scale our evidence-backed programs to reach communities from coast to coast," he stated. "This kind of impact never would have been possible without the incredible support of Staples associates, vendors and customers across the country."

How Canadians Can Participate

Staples Canada offers several avenues for customers who wish to support the "Even the Odds" campaign. The Care Cookie is available for purchase in stores and online at staples.ca while supplies last. In addition, customers can make a direct donation at the checkout counter in any Staples store from May 3 through June 14, or contribute online at any time via staples.ca/eventheodds. These accessible options ensure that all Canadians have a way to contribute to bridging the health equity gap, whether through the simple purchase of a cookie or a direct donation to the cause.