Confidence in a Backpack: Help HDSB Students Start School with Dignity
One in Ten HDSB Students Needs Help. Will You Be the One to Step Up?
The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) has launched its 2025 Back to School campaign, calling on the Halton community to help provide emergency support, like food, school supplies, and clothing, for the Halton District School Board (HDSB) students who need it most.
You can help students like Louisa by visiting GoBack2School.ca.
“Louisa came to school carrying her books in a grocery bag. Her classmates noticed, and she grew quiet and withdrawn.
Her teacher reached out to HLF. With HLF’s support, Louisa’s family was able to buy a brand-new backpack filled with the supplies she needed to fully participate in class — and, more importantly, to feel like she belonged.”
A simple backpack didn’t just carry her books. It helped carry her confidence.
Across Halton, families are struggling with rising costs, and too many children are starting the school year without the basics. During the 2024–25 school year, HLF responded to a record 3,600 requests from school staff to help students—an increase of nearly 20% compared to the previous year.
HLF provides gift cards instead of pre-packed supplies, allowing families to purchase what their children truly need—whether it’s a backpack, new shoes, or healthy snacks. This flexibility helps preserve dignity while ensuring students feel included, respected, and ready to learn. Some students come to class with an empty stomach or wearing clothing that’s too big or too small.
“We want every student to begin the school year with confidence and the tools they need to thrive,” says Marc Clare, CEO of HLF. “But for at least one in ten families in our community, the basic costs of returning to school—like backpacks, lunch, or proper shoes—are out of reach. With the support of generous donors and local partners, we can respond quickly to ensure no student is held back by circumstances beyond their control. When students have what they need, they feel seen, supported, and ready to succeed.”
As the only organization solely dedicated to supporting HDSB students, HLF works hand-in-hand with school staff to identify urgent needs and deliver help—typically within 24 to 48 hours.
Carrie the Backpack Day – September 19
Carrie, HLF’s cheerful mascot and back-to-school helper, is inviting the Halton business community and organizations to take part in Carrie the Backpack Day on Friday, September 19.
Companies can show their support by:
• Hosting a workplace fundraiser
• Engaging staff or customers in fun challenges
• Sharing their efforts online to help raise awareness
Together, we can help every student return to school with confidence and dignity.
For more info about joining Carrie the Backpack Day please visit:
https://haltonlearningfoundation.ca/carriethebackpackday/
Double Your Impact — Help TWO Students Today!
Become a monthly donor—or upgrade your current monthly gift—and thanks to the generosity of belairdirect, your monthly donations will be matched for up to one year, dollar for dollar up to $15,000.
That means you can help twice as many students head back to school with confidence, dignity, and the tools they need to succeed.
Join the movement to ensure no student is left behind. Please visit GoBack2School.ca
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Media contacts:
Fadwa Hadeed
Manager, Communications and Major Gifts
hadeedf@haltonlearningfoundation.ca
905-749-4HLF (4453), ext. 103
