Every child in Halton Region deserves a strong start
September 18, 2025 – Burlington, ON
The Halton Learning Foundation’s Back-to-School campaign supports students in need to ensure no one is left behind
On the first day, Louisa came to school carrying her books in a grocery bag. When her classmates saw the grocery bag, she was embarrassed. Her teacher noticed Louisa became quiet and withdrawn. Louisa’s teacher was aware that the Halton Learning Foundation has an Eliminating Barriers Fund and reached out. HLF gave her parents a gift card and Louisa soon had a new backpack filled with supplies.
Emma was reluctant to attend gym class and avoided group activities because she lacked basic personal hygiene supplies. With HLF’s support, Emma received the essentials she needed and her guidance counsellor reported that Emma was showing up more, and she could see the change and confidence in her.
It may be surprising to many that 1 in 8 students in Halton Region lives at or below the poverty line. Marc Clare, HLF’s CEO says, “Last year, HLF helped 3600 HDSB students in need by providing emergency support with gift cards allowing parents to purchase the essentials their children need, such as clothing, school supplies, and even food in some cases.”
One appreciative parent shared this message after receiving a donation for their child, “I just wanted to say how grateful I am for this support. I’m a single mom, and because of your help, I’m able to get what my daughter needs for back to school and food, and I’m so unbelievably grateful for the support.”
Halton Learning Foundation receives requests for support through the Halton District School Board (HDSB) because teachers and principals at the elementary and secondary schools in the region know their students’ needs best.
Back-to-School Campaign
Halton Learning Foundation launched its Back-to-School Campaign on August 7th and it runs until the end of September.
The campaign features Carrie the Backpack, a cheerful helper and symbol of support and generosity. So far, the Back-to-School campaign has supported more than 250 students with gift cards to purchase the essentials they need to start the school year off right. Marc Clare says, “The need is still great. Since the start of the school year, HLF has been receiving about 30 requests for support each day. Our goal is to help 300 students by the end of September, and with community support, that milestone is within reach.” You can make a donation here.
Friday, September 19th is Carrie the Backpack Day across Halton Region. HLF is inviting the community, specifically local businesses to step up and make a difference by asking their customers and employees to make a monetary donation to the Back-to-School campaign.
Businesses and individuals are encouraged to spread the word by sharing the Carrie the Backpack Story on their social media platforms.
HLF provides emergency assistance quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours, to ensure that students don’t miss out on learning opportunities.
Every gift directly supports a local student, and even a small contribution can have a life-changing impact. Together, Halton can ensure that every child starts the school year with dignity, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.
You can make a donation online here.
The article is made possible by our sponsor Village Media.
