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continued from p.7 HLF has granted more than $2M to support students in need school life, said Lesley Mansfield, HLF executive director. School staff are often able to identify needs through students and/or family, said Mansfield. "It might come to the attention of a teacher that there is an issue or need such as parents have lost their job, an unexpected bill, an emergency change in the living situation, resulting in limited funds for basic necessities," she said. School administration will then contact families and submit a request to HLF which is usually filled the same day. Over the last decade, the most common items requested have been food and clothing, followed by school supplies, field trip fees, team uniforms and team fees, transportation costs and post-secondary application fees. The fund is an invaluable way to relieve the pressure that some students and their families face each day, said Mansfield. "Parents just want the best for their children and when they can't even provide the basics it is an incredible daily struggle. Without the Barriers fund, these students and families would often just go without." Students who are living on their own, for example, are really living hand to mouth. They may be working to pay rent, but even if receiving Ontario Works, they are always short on money and rely on the food bank. With assistance from the fund, they are able to purchase things like winter coats and shoes as well as food to supplement food bank items. Schools often hear feedback from parents who are grateful and often very emotional as the support relieves a big burden and stress for them, said Mansfield. "One student who was able to join their classmates on an important class field trip shared with their principal, `I don't ask for anything because I know my parents can't afford it but it was nice to be able to go on the trip and not feel like I was taking away from them (parents)'." 9 | Thursday, December 18, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Over the past 10 years, the Halton Learning Foundation, through its Eliminating Barriers Fund, has granted more than $2 million to support students in need. With approximately 10 per cent of Halton's school-aged children living below the poverty line, that need is constant, especially for basic necessities like food and clothing. The Eliminating Barriers Fund financially assists students in need to keep them engaged in, and able to attend school, because when children lack proper clothing, school supplies and food, it impacts their ability to learn and participate in ElEgant ElEgant inspiring inspiring bEautiful bEautiful you, you, at at Zuri Zuri fasHions. fasHions. Icare optIcal 6 1.5 ion H nSeS aSe ViS ex le rcHameS r F inditH pu w e gle Fre Sin igH w ne oF t up o % 40F Fn oo er 103 Reynolds stReet · Oakville, Ontario L6J 3K4 Corner of Lakeshore Rd E & Reynolds | t. 905.849.1316 ign SeS deS glaS n Su $99 r ilo iVe pr lene BiFo lin (no - S reSS eSo g SeS cal) www.zurifashions.ca · e-store: www.shopify.ca Follow us @Zurifashions · like our Facebook Page 300 nortH SerVice rd w. @ dorVal Gerry Weber, Simon Chang, Barbara Lebek, Spanner, Foxcroft, Linea Domani, Fred Sabatier, Mes Soeurs Et Moi, Eva Tralala, Samoon, Luna Luz, 2 Beading Hearts Book eye exam: 905.842.2005 A fusion of JApAnese & Chinese Cuisine in the heArt of oAkville! (in tHe toyS r uS plaza, next to lcBo) HOME · GIFTS · FASHION Thomas Sabo | Pandora | Fine Diamonds | Kameleon | Brighton 50 Ancaster 1090 Wilson St. W. 905-304-3044 Join Us... December 19th - 24th ORDER THE AUGUST 8 "BIG BOAT" fOR yOUR HOliDAy PARTy! Christmas % Decor & Clothing OFF Burlington 2435 Appleby Line 905-331-4477 Oakville 275 Hays Blvd. 905-257-0067 Dine in for All You cAn eAt lunCh or Dinner www.August8.cA 7 DAYs A week 4 Locations to serve you better! oAkville 280 north service road W. @ Dorval 905-338-6228 BurlinGton 834 Brant Street Shop Online Gift Card www.apassionforliving.com We Do tAkeout! hAMilton 1 Wilson Street stoneY Creek 835 Paramount Drive 10% off Dinner only. Cash only & with this ad.