April 19, 2024 — Halton Learning Foundation
April has been proclaimed HLF Month in Halton communities and at the Halton District School Board (HDSB).
The month is an opportunity to recognize the important role that the Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) plays in ensuring that students in our community have some financial support to help them come to school prepared to learn.
HLF’s CEO, Marc Clare, is planning a “Tour de Halton” bike ride on April 26 — one of many challenges happening throughout HLF Month to raise awareness and funds for the financial supports that hundreds of students need to fully engage in learning, such as food, clothing, school supplies and learning opportunities.
So far this school year, HLF has provided some emergency financial support for more than 1,900 students, a 40% increase over last year.
“We’re definitely seeing the impact of rising rents and daily living on more families than ever before,” Clare said. “We have elementary students coming to school with no breakfast or lunch, or without warm clothes in the winter. We have high schoolers who are juggling classes with working two jobs to help put food on their table. Being cold or hungry makes it really challenging for kids to focus on learning.”
Marc will be riding his bike just over 100 km, starting in Acton, through Georgetown, Milton, and Oakville, with a final stop in Burlington. He will be making brief stops at HDSB schools along the way.
Marc’s goal is to raise $5,000, or enough to provide a financial helping hand to about 20 HDSB students.
To learn more about HLF Month or to donate, visit haltonlearningfoundation.ca/hlfmonth. All donations made during HLF Month will be matched by presenting sponsor CN.
