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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, May 1, 2015 | 16 Catholic Children's Education Foundation fills the need by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Imagine heading to school on an empty stomach and not having a lunch or the proper clothing to withstand the elements. That's the reality for many Halton students, even though the region is often perceived as one of affluence. It's a perception Marc Clare, executive director of the Halton Catholic Children's Education Foundation (HCCEF), wants dispelled. "The (Halton) Poverty Roundtable recently released a report that 10 per cent of families in Halton live below the low-income cut off," he told the Oakville Beaver. "So, even though 905-257-1997 Executive director Marc Clare, left, and volunteer board member Alice Anne LeMay of the Halton Catholic Children's Education Foundation. The independent charitable organization helps students in need of the Halton Catholic school board get access to food and clothing, and the chance to attend school functions. | submitted photo. Dr. Elise Boersma 2450 Neyagawa Blvd. Unit 1C Oakville, ON www.oakhillortho.ca Halton is an affluent community overall, there really is a strong need for assisting students so they can be part of school events." Alice Anne LeMay, former Oakville trustee and board chair of the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB), and current HCCEF volunteer board member, agrees. LeMay says a poverty level of 10 per cent for Halton is high. "Everybody thinks, Oakville? Nobody lives under the poverty line -- well, they're wrong. And the same with North Halton, Burlington; there are poverty pockets with families that are in great need," she said. That's why HCCEF's mission is to ensure every student with the HCDSB's 54 elementary and secondary schools can attend school with see Foundation on p.18 ? S NG HAvE kids wHO lOvE tO i MENS, ladiES & ChildrENS CaNvaS ShoES 905.337.7104 Choral Music Excellence. All children 4 and up welcome. Our Choir is growing! Join Now! Factory Shoe outlet 2015 Diamond Award #1 SHOE STORE #1 CHILDREN'S SHOE STORE info@oakvillechildrenschoir.org www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org HOURS: Monday-Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm · Sunday 10am to 6pm 905-632-9688 2394 FAIRVIEW ST., BURLINGTON FAMILY OWNED FOR 58 YEARS!