Nov. 13, 2025 — Halton Learning Foundation

As colder weather approaches, the Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) is sounding the alarm: more students than ever are arriving at school without the essentials they need to stay warm, healthy, and ready to learn.

Students like Esme, whose daily walk to school became unbearable as temperatures dropped.

“Esme’s winter coat was too small and thin in places. She had to wear shoes in the slush, and her feet were wet and cold on her walk to school. Her socks were damp all day, and all she could think of was her walk home after school.”

You can give Esme and other students hope — and warmth — when you donate at nostudentleftbehind.ca.

“No student should ever experience this,” said Marc Clare, CEO of HLF. “Something as simple as a warm coat or dry boots can mean the difference between a child being engaged in learning or struggling through the day.”

One parent recently shared the profound impact of HLF’s support:

“I sincerely appreciate this gift card; it truly means so much to me. As a single mother of four, moving away from my abuser has been incredibly stressful, and I’ve been doing my best to get settled. This gift card will go a long way in helping me provide for my children and will make a real difference in our lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“Stories like hers illustrate the life-changing impact community support can have on students and families in crisis,” Clare added.

November and December are the busiest times at Halton Learning Foundation. Last year, an average of 25 students each day needed clothing and food in those 2 months in Halton.

The “No Student Left Behind” campaign ensures that students across the Halton District School Board (HDSB) have access to warm winter clothing, nutritious food, school supplies, and emergency financial support.

Rising need across Halton
Since the beginning of this school year, HLF has already supported more than 1,000 students with urgent assistance, from groceries to clothing to school supplies. Requests continue to rise as families face increased financial strain and cost-of-living pressures.

HLF staff work directly with principals, social workers, and school staff to identify students who need immediate help. Many families turn to HLF when they have nowhere else to go.

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.

In addition to families, principals across Halton see firsthand how financial insecurity shows up in classrooms:

“Financial insecurity is a silent killer, wrapping people in a blanket of shame and embarrassment to seek help. When families struggle, we witness that struggle at school. The Halton Learning Foundation supported my ability to respond to student needs — providing winter coats, boots, and more. This support has been invaluable over the years,” said Shelita Walker, HDSB System Principal of Human Rights, Equity & Inclusive Education.

HLF is calling on individuals, businesses, and the community to consider making a gift to support HDSB students with financial needs.

For more information on how to support the “No Student Left Behind” campaign, please visit HLF’s website at nostudentleftbehind.ca, and you can contact HLF at info@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.