Back to School Campaign Designed to Set Students up for Success

Students across Halton head back to school in a few weeks, but sadly, not all of them will be well equipped to learn.

Back to School (BTS) costs are already expensive for the more than one in 10 Halton families who struggle financially, and BTS spending is expected to hit a record this year due to inflation, according to a Deloitte forecast.

That means hundreds of kids across Halton will return to school in September without the things they need to be successful in class, such as school supplies, running shoes, food in their stomachs, or the funds to participate in a class trip.

The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) is currently running its annual Back to School fundraising campaign, with a goal of providing school necessities for at least 175 students of the Halton District School Board (HDSB) this September. (Referrals to HLF are provided by school staff.)

“At this time of year our goal is to ensure that kids start school with the same resources as everyone else,” says Lesley Mansfield, CEO of the Halton Learning Foundation. “Having new clothes, school supplies and other essentials can help boost students’ self-esteem and give every child the opportunity to succeed.”

HLF helps eliminate financial barriers to learning for HDSB students throughout the school year by providing gift cards for basic necessities, and reimbursement for learning opportunities such as teams and class trips.

“Gift cards allow parents and students the flexibility to choose the clothing, backpacks and other supplies they need and want, rather than having those items selected for them,” Mansfield explains.

To help or to learn more, please visit goback2school.ca.