The Thames Valley Education Foundation (TVEF) has launched a new fundraising campaign to help the increasing number of families struggling to put food on the table amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dubbed Caring Champions, the fundraiser would provide a much needed boost to the foundation's caring fund which distributes more than $100,000 annually to students in emergency financial need.
Since the outbreak of the virus forced schools and non-essential businesses to close in mid-March, 83 families have received emergency aid from the foundation.
"Even though schools are closed, principals and teachers remain in contact with students and are aware of the special challenges faced by some of our families during this time," Foundation lead Jackie Ellefsen said in a statement.
The recent recipients of the fund include a single mother of three who was in need of food for her family and a student living with six younger siblings and his extended family who are sole supported by the student's grandfather. The grandfather's work hours had been cut due to the pandemic, leaving the family in a financial bind. In both cases, the principal of the school the children attend made a request to the foundation for help.
The foundation estimates it will delivery $160,000 in aid before September, which is a significant increase from the $134,707 it handed out to 400 Thames Valley students in need last year.
In an effort to raise support, London law firm Harrison Pensa has pledged to match a portion of all community donations made to the fund throughout May.
"We are proud to partner with TVEF on the Caring Champions campaign,” said Adam Jean, CEO of Harrison Pensa. "We understand that now, more than ever, students and families in our community need extra support."
Donations to the fund can be made online at Canada Helps.
