Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) launched its 2024 Back to School campaign to provide emergency support to students and their families needing food, school supplies, clothing, and other necessities. You can donate to help students like Emma and Ethan at goback2school.ca
“Emma was coming to class wearing her mother’s clothes and had very little food.”
“Ethan outgrew his clothes and shoes over the summer, but mom couldn’t afford new ones. Ethan already struggled with his confidence and didn’t always fit in with classmates.”
HLF is asking local businesses in Milton for their support to help send at least 300 students of the Halton District School Board back to class equipped with school necessities by September 30.
“There are students who come to class with an empty stomach, or wearing clothing that is too big or too small. We want every child to start the school year with the resources they need to focus on learning and to be included with their peers, but the added costs of Back to School are out of reach for at least one in 10 Halton parents,” said Marc Clare, HLF’s CEO.
In 2023-2024, HLF responded to a record 2,900 requests from school staff to support HDSB students in financial need – almost a third of whom were from Milton.
A total of 768 Milton students received support, with the majority of requests focused on essentials like clothing (35%), food (31%), and hygiene and school supplies (27%). Additional support was provided for participation in sports, field trips, and transportation.
While many organizations collect school supplies, HLF provides support mainly in the form of gift cards. “This allows students or their families to purchase the clothing and school supplies they want and need, which contributes to a sense of dignity,” said Clare.
HLF is inviting Halton business community members to join us in making a lasting impact and becoming Back to School Champions. To become a Back to School Champion, you can support the campaign by making a donation, organizing a company-wide fundraiser to engage your staff/ customers, or sharing the campaign across your platforms—website, social media, or newsletters.
For more information on becoming a Back to School Champion or to download the Resource Toolkit, please visit the following link.
If your company can’t participate, but you would like to help, donations can be made at goback2school.ca
Short Version
Media Contact:
Fadwa Hadeed
Manager, Communications and Major Gifts
hadeedf@haltonlearningfoundation.ca
905-749-4HLF (4453), ext. 103
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Twitter: @HaltonLearnFDN
LinkedIn: Halton Learning Foundation
