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HLF exists to remove barriers to education for public school students in need by Tim Whitnell Metroland West Media 17 | Friday, May 22, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton is one of the richest regions in Canada in terms of personal wealth, but even in the land of plenty, there are people who struggle to make ends meet. Specifically, there are children who make do with less, or even without, basics like food, clothing and school supplies. That's why the Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) says it exists. It acquires and allocates resources to provide educational opportunities and eliminate economic barriers to learning for Halton District School Board students in need. The registered charity is available to support more than 60,000 students at 104 Halton elementary and high schools. The HLF says according to a 2008 report, A Vision for Children in Halton, about 10 per cent of those students live at or below the poverty line. In 2014, the HLF provided emergency assistance to more than 1,400 children/youths. The number in 2015 is expected to exceed 1,500. "When children lack the basics, like proper clothing, school supplies and food, it impacts their ability to learn and participate in school life. The most requested items this year have been food, clothing (including coats, boots and shoes), school supplies, field trip fees and attire/ tools for co-op placements," stated an annual report to Halton public school board trustees delivered by HLF first vice chair David Grant. "Most of these stories (of basic needs) are heartbreaking," Grant said, noting in 2015, scholarships will be awarded to help graduating students pursue post-secondary learning. For the 2014-15 school year, the HLF has dispensed 48 grants of emergency funds to various schools totalling $162,000. Enrichment funds provided by the HLF are used to purchase teaching resources and equipment and fund educational programs in the arts and music (instruments, sheet music and equipment), technology (tools, skills competitions), environment (green initiatives) and healthy active living (fitness resources and equipment, activity kits). The HLF receives no government or United Way funding. Funds are raised from the community through an annual golf tournament and a celebration gala, third-party events, private and corporate donations, and sponsorships. In the HLF's five-year strategic plan (201318), among its ambitious goals is to double the number of students provided support through the Eliminating Barriers program, to 3,000, and also to double its funds raised, to $2.2 million. For information about the HLF , visit www.haltonlearningfoundation.ca. ART'S FISH & CHIPS Books and bibles, cards, gifts, music and DVDs We are here to serve you. This is what we do. Our staff offers you the combined wisdom of 100 years of experience at Good Books. Come visit us. Nick && Staff atat Liz, Nick Staff GOLD wish our customers48 a Happy & Healthy Easter and remind you Are celebrating years of continuous operation that we will be OPEN on Good Friday, 12 Noon to 7pm by offering a 15% discount on any order, We will be serving whole orders of Halibut and Haddock Fish & Chips only with a limited menu We offer home delivery (North of Q.E.W.) of an order over $15, after 5pm. of side orders and will not take any phone-in orders for pick-up after 5 p.m. Visit us at www.artsfishandchips.com THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE! GooD Books Christian Bookstore 588 Kerr Street, Oakville ON L6K 3C7 · 905-844-3102 goodbooks@on.aibn.com · www.goldbookschristian.com "What goes into a mind comes out in a life" Come early and avoid the 5 pm rush. with this coupon. Offer ends May 31, 2015. 1500 Sixth Line (Just South of Upper Middle Rd.) · 905-844-9209 The experts are more affordable than you think. LocaL carrier Your The year's best offer. DeaLer Special Offer We will pay the HST for your next home comfort system maintenance Limited time offer. Can not be combined with any other offer. 4521 Dundas Street @ Appleby Line 905-335-4603 Missing Teeth? Dental Implants Can Be the Answer Alton Dental firmly believes in helping people understand their dental health. Receive $1,465 up to It's easy to do the math this spring. in rebates with Carrier® Cool Cash* Plus Don't Pay for 90 Days * ** No Payments, No Interest *Limited time offer **OAC Before After We Service All Makes of central air conditioners and gas furnaces If you are missing teeth, wearing dentures, or confused about "what is best" for you, we invite you to attend one of our free informational seminars. This is a great, no-obligation way to learn more about the different options available for the replacement of missing teeth and the benefits of each option. Meet our team; enjoy the free food and refreshments. We even give away prizes just for attending! Alton's FREE Implant Seminar · May 26, 6:30 pm Seating is Limited, reserve today! · 905-335-4603 www.applebysystems.ca info@altondental.com | www.altondental.com