Sept. 26, 2026 — Halton Learning Foundation
The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) announced today that thanks to the generosity of the Halton community, more than 328 HDSB students have already received the backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and food they needed to start the school year with confidence. With a goal of supporting 400 students by Sept. 30, HLF is asking the community to help reach the 72 students who still need support.
You can help students like Nora by visiting GoBack2School.ca.
Nora is one of the students HLF is working to support this back-to-school season. She lives in a single-parent household with her two siblings while her mother is currently off work, making it difficult for the family to cover even everyday essentials. One of Nora’s siblings, now in high school, is looking for work outside of school hours to help support the household.
For families like Nora’s, a gift card for school supplies, clothing, food, or shoes can ease the pressure at home and help remove one source of worry so a student can focus on learning.
Across Halton, families are struggling with rising costs, and too many children are starting the school year without the basics. During the 2025–26 school year, HLF responded to more than 2,600 requests from school staff to help students.
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 a healthy lunch. This flexibility helps preserve dignity while ensuring students feel included, respected, and ready to learn.
HLF’s CEO, Marc Clare, said: “Because of the generosity of our community, 328 students have already started the school year with the essentials they need and the confidence they deserve. But we know more students are still waiting for support. With just 72 students left to reach our goal, every gift right now can make an immediate difference for a child and family in Halton.”
HLF is powered by the Halton community and depends on the support of its generous donors. 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.
You can make a one-time gift of $250 to help one student this school year, or only $20.84 per month at: GoBack2School.ca
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
Please visit GoBack2School.ca to help HLF reach 400 students by Sept. 30.
