Hamilton Foundation for Student Success Continues to Support Student Needs with Donations Totalling $35,000
Media Release
Hamilton, Ontario – Mar. 26, 2020: On Monday, March 23, the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success approved the motion to donate a total of $35,000 towards student nourishment and mental health support. Hamilton Food Share was the recipient of $25,000, and Kids Help Phone received $10,000.
“We have seen a significant shift in needs from our HWDSB students and the broader community during this unprecedented time,” said Leah Schwenger, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “I am amazed by the Foundation Board’s commitment to addressing student needs and well-being even while schools remain closed.”
The Foundation typically helps students in need through school-based programs. However, school closures, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused nutrition and mental health programs to be less accessible to students in need. By donating to Hamilton Food Share and Kids Help Phone, the Foundation is able to continue to support students during closures by helping to fund the services they seek help from in their communities.
“At Kids Help Phone, we have seen the direct impact of COVID-19 on young people. The number of youths who reach out to our service doubled in a week,” said Aaron Sanderson, Chief Development Officer at Kids Help Phone. “Many kids and teens are struggling with anxiety and this new world of staying at home. This donation from the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success means Kids Help Phone will continue to be there for the young people of Canada, 24/7.”
Donations to Kids Help Phone are being matched by Hudson’s Bay Foundation up to $500,000. This means the Foundation’s donation will be matched to total $20,000 to benefit youth mental health.
Joanne Santucci, Executive Director of Hamilton Food Share explained the impact of the donation to her organization, “We are most grateful for this generous donation. It will help food banks across this city get more food for families struggling with hunger.”
Each of these organizations are well-equipped to address the needs of HWDSB students and their families during this challenging time. Those who are able, can help us to support our students by donating to the COVID-19 Response Fund at: www.hwdsb.on.ca/foundation/donate/
The Foundation is committed to ensuring donations are placed towards causes, which provide students with equal opportunities to stay healthy, learn, grow and succeed.
«$21,000 in Grants Awarded to HWDSB Schools | Hamilton Foundation for Student Success Continues to Support Student Needs with Donations Totalling $35,000»
