The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) is asking local businesses for their support to help send hundreds of students of the Halton District School Board back to 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 – more than 200 of whom were from Halton Hills.

Halton Hills students received support, with the majority of requests focused on essentials like food (34%), clothing (31%), and hygiene and school supplies (28%). Additional support was provided for participation in sports, field trips, and transportation.

A school secretary has shared her feedback on HLF’s impact: “This single dad had requested help to purchase groceries for his four girls. Two hours after receiving the gift cards, he sent the school a photo of a grocery cart filled with food. HLF makes a difference!”

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 receive the Back to School Champion Resource Toolkit, please visit: https://www.haltonlearningfoundation.ca/bts-champion/

If your company can’t participate, but you would like to help, donations can be made at www.haltonlearningfoundation.ca/backtoschool

To learn more about HLF please watch the Halton Hills Member Spotlight, an interview with Marc Clare, HLF’s CEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0-O8EXiXso