Celebrating 25 Years of PALS: Thank You to Partners
At J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI), we are proud to celebrate 25 years of PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools), a program that has supported thousands of students across New Brunswick and now includes a school in Halifax, Nova Scotia. What began in 2000 as a partnership between one school and one organization has grown into a network of over 30 schools and more than 150 community partners addressing barriers to education, fostering inclusivity and building a stronger community.
This milestone is a moment to reflect on the incredible impact PALS has made, but most importantly, it’s an opportunity to say thank you. To the local businesses, community groups, educators and volunteers who have contributed their time, energy and resources—this success is yours. Together, you have built a brighter future for students to thrive and have strengthened our community.
PALS holds a special place in our history. It was founded through the vision and commitment of the late Chairman James K. Irving, the Anglophone South School District and the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI). Supporting young people was a personal passion for Mr. Irving and he was always quick to share credit with his collaborators, including his wife, Mrs. Jean E. Irving, and Mr. Bill Gale, whose encouragement and support were fundamental in his efforts.
“My father always recognized the need to do more to support young people in our community. It was a deep personal interest that grew over the years,” says Jim Irving, co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited. “We are proud of PALS and all that it continues to achieve to create meaningful change. This milestone is a testament to the power of partnerships and the shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed."
Over the past 25 years, PALS has become much more than a program. It is a network of support, providing mentorship, resources and care to students and schools. Volunteer initiatives such as school supply drives, PALS Hampers, PALS En Route to Success, school mentors, the Kids on the Go bus and the many more contributions of PALS partners have created opportunities for every child to reach their full potential.
As we reflect on 25 years, we remain committed to supporting our PALS and we celebrate what has been accomplished.
Thank you to every partner who has been part of this journey. Your contributions have made all the difference.
To learn more about PALS or how you can get involved, visit [PALS Facebook page].
About PALS
Partners Assisting Local Schools is a community-based initiative co-founded by James K. Irving and the Anglophone South School District to support students and schools in New Brunswick. By fostering partnerships between businesses, educators and volunteers, PALS creates programs that address educational challenges and promote student success.
