About Us
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Story
- Evaluate, assess and celebrate initiatives,
- Form strategic partnerships,
- Promote The Foundation to increase awareness, and
- Increase donor dollars to support Foundation programs.
This included approving a revised Mission and Vision to guide the work of The Learning Foundation: Vision: All students have the support needed to realize well-being and success. Mission: We fundraise to provide programs and services that help students overcome barriers and succeed in school. We know that our work on behalf of students is important, and we’re committed to providing support students through our programs. As a Hastings Prince Edward District Principal recently told us, “Through your support we are able to assist students and their families to overcome barriers and see success at school. With Learning Foundation funding, programs and initiatives we are able to provide supports that can often be major game changers in the lives of our school community families. Our families are often left in positions where they have to make choices between heat, hydro or groceries and prescription drugs or eye glasses. As school administrators knowing that we have your support as we help our families makes a difference. Many of our families struggle day to day with challenges we have never experienced and stressers we cannot relate to directly. We are able to help students feel included and participate in activities which their peers take for granted.”
Where Our Funds Come From
- Community Donations 100%
- Ministry of Children and Youth Services 58%
- Community Donations 24%
- SNP Partners 18%
How Our Funds Are Spent
- Funds Directly Invested In Our Programs 80%
- Management and Administration Costs 18%
- Fundraising Costs 2%
Financial Statements
See The Impact
Student Crisis Requests Granted
Students and families supported withgrocery gift cards during non school times. The program is now piloting five Nutrition Pantries in HPEDSB schools to provide food for students and families at home
Estimated total number of meals provided in the South East Region
The estimated number of meals from March 2020 to January 2022
The estimated number of meals from March 2020 to January 2022
The estimated number of meals from March 2020 to January 2022
First Nations Student Nutrition Programs
The estimated number of meals from March 2020 to January 2022
Our Team
Kellie Brace
Executive Director
Kellie Brace has been with The Learning Foundation for over 20 years, first as the Food for Learning Coordinator, then the regional Student Nutrition Program Coordinator, and is now leading The Learning Foundation as the Executive Director. As a graduate of Dalhousie University, Kellie started her career in the non-profit sector as a Program Manager with Junior Achievement Nova Scotia, moved to Calgary and became the Human Resources Administrator for the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society, and finally settled in with The Learning Foundation. Kellie’s hands-on approach demonstrates her dedication, and also encourages The Learning Foundation team to creatively achieve goals.
Vicky Struthers
Program Coordinator
Vicky Struthers joined the Learning Foundation in 2014, first as a Program Assistant and now is the Foundation’s Program Coordinator. Vicky’s success in her role is fueled by her compassion, and her concern for the well-being of local children and youth. Vicky oversees the Food for Learning and Student Emergency Fund programs to ensure that students have what they need to succeed in school. After graduating from the University of Guelph, Vicky joined The Foundation and brings much enthusiasm and positive energy to the team.
Cherie Hardie
Procurement and Logistics Coordinator
Since 2014, Cherie Hardie has been ensuring that The Learning Foundation is receiving value for money with purchases of supplies needed to operate our programs. As the Procurement and Logistics Coordinator, Cherie manages relationships with suppliers to ensure that schools have what they need to support their students through their student nutrition programs. In addition, Cherie also coordinates all aspects of our Sharing Cupboards program in seven HPEDSB secondary schools. Prior to joining The Learning Foundation Cherie was the Purchasing and Logistics Manager for a local manufacturing facility. Cherie’s diligence, strong work ethic and sense of humor make her a tremendous asset to The Learning Foundation.
Jenn Barret
Resource Development and Communications Coordinator
The Learning Foundation welcomed our newest team member, Jenn Barret, in August 2023. Jenn is The Learning Foundation’s Resource Development and Communications Coordinator and is responsible for coordinating all fundraising activities, media relations and social media. Jenn brings new energy and fresh ideas to contribute to The Learning Foundation’s successes. Jenn’s prior experience with fundraising in the non-profit sector, paired with her vibrant personality and commitment to help improve the learning experience for local students, she is certainly a great addition to The Learning Foundation team.
Our Board
To contact a Director of The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation please email learning.foundation@hpedsb.on.ca
Geoff Cudmore
Chair
Spencer Hutchinson
Treasurer
Kellie Brace
Secretary to the Board
kbrace@hpelf.ca
Loris Clarke
Director
Nancy Roberts
Director
June Hagerman
Director
Cheryl Whiteman
Director
