Chalk Talk - Spring 2020 - Volume 9, Issue 1
Superheroes of Hope

Volume 9, Issue 1

Inside This Issue

  • Superheroes of Hope

  • Erica – Encouraging Equity For All

  • Harry – Helping The Hungry

  • Penny – Prevailing Against Poverty

  • More Than Food

  • The Picture of Giving In Canada

  • Thanks to Our Donors

  • COVID 19 Response Report

Our job is to fundraise for programs and services that overcome barriers and help students succeed in school.

We believe that all students should have the support they need to realize well-being and success, and we’re committed to creating equal opportunities for all students.

Programs – such as Prom Project, the Good Backpack Program, the Student Emergency Fund, and our Student Nutrition Programs: Food for Learning, Food for Thought, and The Food Sharing Project – help students to actively participate in their school life.

Our programs are universally accessible to all students, breaking down barriers and leveling the playing field in a non-stigmatizing way.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susan Sweet (Chair), Al Stitt (Vice Chair), Dave Clazie (Treasurer), Maribeth deSnoo (Secretary), Geoff Cudmore, Elaner Pound, Claude Boily, David DeMille, Tony Guererra, Kevin Vance, June Hagerman, Patti MacDougall, Sean Monteith, Nick Pfeiffer, Jon Buchanan, Darren Matassa (Honourary Director)

Superheroes of Hope

The purpose of our Chalk Talk newsletter is to inform.

We owe it to you, to let you know how we have spent your donor dollars supporting students.

In the past, you have helped us feed, alleviate crises, clothe for proms and graduations, and provide backpacks full of supplies, to our learners.

The current pandemic is unprecedented for the majority of us. As the pandemic started, and as the ramifications of COVID 19 continue to reverberate through our communities, requests for help have outpaced everything and anything that we have provided in the past. As The Learning Foundation, we continue to encourage equity, help the hungry, and prevail against poverty.

It is most appropriate then that in this edition of Chalk Talk, we introduce you to our Superheroes; Erica, Harry and Penny whose efforts are needed now more than ever! A thank you to Learning Foundation Directors Susan Sweet, Geoff Cudmore, and Elaner Pound for their insight as to the roles of our heroes.

We also want to let you know what we are doing to support our most vulnerable students through this crisis. Listed on page 12 is the dollar value of grocery gift cards, the number of gift cards given to students and families, and the amount of gift in kind we have provided to food banks in Hastings and Prince Edward counties for families with children during COVID 19.
Also in this issue, we profile some of our Directors in The Learning Foundation, through asking a simple question, ‘Why ?’ Why is the work of The HPELF important?

Each of us has our own ‘Why’. You are receiving Chalk Talk because you made a donation, and you care about students, equity, hunger and poverty, just like our Superheroes!

Thank you and stay well!

Maribeth deSnoo,
Executive Director

We have asked our Board of Directors to share with us their ‘why’. Director of Education for Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board Sean Monteith shared the following with us.

“I suspect my place on the Board of Directors for The Learning Foundation is very different than most if not all Board members. Up until this current year I admittedly had limited knowledge or understanding of the priorities or the goals of The Learning Foundation. But as the year progressed and as I attended more Food for Learning events, saw the real impact of the Foundation’s efforts on kids, and saw the behind the scenes commitment of The Learning Foundation’s staff, I went from a literal greenhorn to a champion for its work. Listening to school staff share their efforts to provide essentials for kids in classrooms, supporting families that often disappear from view because they live on our society’s margins, and feeling that the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board was a stronger and more aggressive advocate for social justice and equity because of The Learning Foundation, brought a visceral impact of what we can do for so many of our kids.

Already a believer in the work of The Learning Foundation, then came the COVID 19 pandemic.

And I watched as the Director of Education for HPEDSB how The Learning Foundation went into action. Distributing food cards and staples overnight and without request, and then basic living supplies for families that we knew had nothing. And the efforts were not just one or two days; they blended into many days, then weeks and eventually months. Many tens of thousands of dollars shared with families whose income had evaporated, and whose means to survive became unpredictable. This work goes on even now and Kellie, Vicky, Cherie and Maribeth non-stop have supported our families across the entire district; and in the process enabled my staff to support the learning and the mental health of our kids and their families. If there was ever a moment of a definition for an organization, it has been this year, and I for one Board of Director members am proud I could associate myself with it, and watch it happen before our eyes.

From a newbie, to a Board member and fierce advocate, I am proud that my school district, the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has The Learning Foundation; we are simply better for it.”

Thank you Sean for being such a strong advocate for work of The Learning Foundation, its impact and the role we play in supporting students of Hastings and Prince Edward counties.

Erica – Encouraging Equity for All

Susan Sweet – Chair, Board of Directors – HPE Learning Foundation

In January, 2020, the Learning Foundation’s “Superheroes of Hope” were introduced on the cover of the Appeal Catalogue. Animated superheroes, Erica, Penny and Harry invited donors to ‘Join the Crusade’ to encourage equity, prevail against poverty and help the hungry. Who knew then that, in a very short time, the concept of having heroes in our lives would become so relevant.

Less than two months after the introduction of the Learning Foundation’s Superheroes, many countries were dealing with covid-19 and heroes emerged from communities around the world. First responders, frontline medical staff, and those working in essential services quickly became community heroes.

Social distancing, hand washing and staying home would become ways in which all of us could become everyday heroes in helping to ‘flatten the curve’. All of us have had an important role to play.

In short order the HPE Learning Foundation staff – Maribeth, Kellie, Vicky and Cherie joined the ranks of community heroes.

Although schools were closed indefinitely due to covid-19, the Foundation staff quickly realized that the need for support would still exist for many students.

The HPE Learning Foundation Staff, ‘hit the ground running’ to tackle the issue of supporting students who relied on Food For Learning (school-based food programs) during the school week. In short order, a sustainable plan to distribute grocery cards to food vulnerable students was developed and implemented. As of May 15th, 2020 grocery cards, totalling $117, 150.00, had been distributed to 2, 256 students. Thanks to school group ‘champions’ who assisted with the distribution of the grocery cards and who continue to keep Foundation staff appraised of the areas of need.

Superhero, Erica encourages equity for all. This means that all students, whether at school or at home, should have access to support. To encourage equity for all is the essence of the Foundation’s vision statement: “All students have the support needed to realize well being and success”. School administrators, along with their staff, make requests to the Learning Foundation for students in need of support. During the pandemic, they have worked along side superhero, Erica to encourage the safety and well being of their students while schools are closed.

The cancellation of two major fundraising events saw yet another group of heroes ‘step up to the plate’. Plans for the Bids for Kids Student Benefit Auction (supporting Food For Learning programs) were well underway when covid-19 intervened. Local businesses and organizations who had committed to sponsorships of the Event honoured their commitment. Likewise the 19th Annual Learning Foundation Golf Tournament, scheduled for June, was cancelled. The Golf Tournament, for many years, has been the major event which supports the Student Emergency Fund. Many past sponsors and participants have made donations in lieu of actually being able to participate in a tournament this year.

Combined lost revenue from the two cancelled events would have been approximately $50,000. Due to the donations of sponsor and participant heroes, all will not be lost.

Thank you to all of the heroes who support the very important work of the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation, especially during these difficult times. Schools may be closed, but the safety and well being of students remains a priority.

Take care and stay safe!

We have asked our Board of Directors to share with us their ‘why’. Chair, Susan Sweet shared the following with us.

“After retiring from a wonderful career as a teacher and school administrator, I continue to be drawn to volunteer opportunities where children and youth are the focus. Becoming a member of the HPE Learning Foundation Board of Directors has allowed me to share the knowledge and skills gained through my professional life, while maintaining that connection to the field of education. The huge bonuses for me have been the involvement with the great programs developed through the Foundation and the opportunity to interact with absolutely amazing people, ….from fellow Board members to the Foundation staff, and beyond.

The vision statement …. “All students have the support needed to realize well-being and success” is what I truly believe every student deserves. Great people ……. great programs ……. supporting students ….. making a difference! What more can I say?”

Thank you Susan for being dedicated to our students and making a difference in the community.

Harry – Helping the Hungry

Geoffrey Cudmore – Chair, Food for Learning Committee

When branding our Learning Foundation “Superheroes”, we came up with the themes of Encouraging Equity (Erica), Helping the Hungry (Harry), and Prevailing Against Poverty (Penny), that personify the mission and goals of The Learning Foundation, making them accessible to children and adults alike.

This year, Food for Learning was celebrating its 20th anniversary of helping to ensure that all of our students have access to healthy and nutritious meals and snacks at their school, and that no child is unavailable for learning due to hunger. This school year, the 130 school programs operated by Food For Learning had served 431,276 meals and snacks to the end of December. But as we have learned over the years, the challenge of “helping the hungry” goes beyond just providing food in the schools. For the past number of years, when school staff has identified students who were coming to school hungry because there was no food in the home, due to an emergency situation, the Student Emergency Fund has been there to provide grocery cards to tide the student and their family through the difficult period. This year, from the beginning of school in September, to the beginning of March, the Student Emergency Fund had provided almost $27,500 in support to 212 students and families. The Food for Home program, started last year, identified some 70 food insecure secondary school students and provided them with $50.00 in grocery gift cards for each of the 11 weeks a year when they were not at school and had access to meals and snacks provided through Food for Learning.

And then in March, the Coronavirus Pandemic erupted, and our world changed.

Even as news reports and Ministry updates from our Director, Sean Monteith made it clear that schools were closing and that it was no longer business as usual, the Learning Foundation and Food For Learning team was already looking at how they were going to ensure that our food insecure students and families were going to be supported. Before the closure, the students being supported through Food For Home were provided with their March Break grocery gift cards, a partnership had been established with Highland Shores CAS to provide grocery vouchers to families that contacted them for food assistance. As well, elementary and secondary school administrators at the Hastings and Prince Edward Board, the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic Board, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and the French Public Board were all contacted so that they would know how requests for food could be supported through the Learning Foundation.

Once the closure was in place, the Learning Foundation staff, continued to find ways to make grocery cards available to those in need, as well as working to secure additional funds and products, to support our programs, and our local food banks. The Belleville Senators released our share of the 50/50 sales in the amount of $10,390. The Belleville chapter of 100 Men Who Care donated $10,000 for Food for Home. Hastings County has provided $40,000 for the Student Emergency Fund, and $45,000 for Food for Learning, and the Breakfast Club of Canada has provided $30,000 to Food for Learning.

As I write this, at the end of May, the Learning Foundation has provided $171,200 in grocery cards, to students and families, and $32,557 in support of our area food banks. Now that it is official that school will not return this academic year, plans are in place to support our most vulnerable students throughout June, July and August. Harry’s work is never done!

We have asked our Board of Directors to share with us their ‘why’. Past – Chair, Geoffrey Cudmore shared the following with us.

“My reason for wanting to be a part of the Learning Foundation is that we see the good that The Foundation and its programs like Food for Learning, Student Emergency Fund, Food for Home etc. do every day, in every school. The impact of our programs on the wellbeing of our students and the school community is visible, concrete, and substantial. I am honoured to be able to play a part in this work.”

Thank you Geoff for believing in the work of the Learning Foundation and supporting the well being of our students.

Penny – Prevailing Against Poverty

Elaner Pound – Director, Food for Learning Committee

Hi – my name is Penny and I fight POVERTY!!! Poverty is everywhere, but you can’t always see it. In our cities it is very evident because you can see the “street people” seeking assistance, but in the rural areas of Hastings and Prince Edward counties it is not so visible. That is why I really support the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation’s Food for Learning, Emergency Fund and Food for Home programs. They are so vital! As we all know, the Food for Learning Program serves breakfasts, snacks and/or lunches in our schools and these programs are open to all. Wow!!! What a help that is to children in need. They can participate in a healthy meal in a safe and comfortable environment, and then they can go to class ready to learn.

Now that we are in the midst of a world-wide pandemic, what a heroic effort (no pun intended) Food for Learning is making on behalf of students. FFL is providing gift cards (equal to the value of a month’s worth of breakfasts, snacks, etc. that a student would receive at school) to families in need on the recommendation of each school’s principal. Way to go Food for Learning!!!

The Student Emergency Fund helps families in stress – especially during unexpected emergency situations. And….Food for Home, a program that is very dear to my heart, helps students and their families during those times when school in not in session such as Christmas, Winter Break and the summer holidays, by providing weekly grocery gift cards for the family. What a boon this is to these families to know that there is someone out there who cares!

I am also working hard recruiting volunteers for the Food for Learning programs. These programs don’t function without volunteers. For those who do volunteer, the best thanks that they can get is a smile and/or hug or a “thank you” from a hungry child. That just makes your day!!!

We have asked our Board of Directors to share with us their ‘why’. Director, Elaner Pound shared the following with us.

“Being a retired educator, I knew that there were always children in my classroom that certainly did not have everything that was needed to help them be a success in school. When I was asked to become a Director on The Learning Foundation Board in my retirement, I looked at the programs that were already being offered by The Foundation to the students in the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. Food For Learning really stood out for me, as it provided healthy morning breakfasts, snacks and lunches for the students across the system, and these meals were open to all. I knew I had to be part of a group that helped all students in our school system. Since I have been on the Board, programs such as the Student Emergency Fund, Food for Home, Prom Project, and the Good Backpack Program have been added. How could you not want to be part of an organization that does so much for the students in our school system, and that is why I am a Director on the Board of The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation!”

Thank you Elaner for your compassion, inspiration and continuing to support students in our community.

We have asked our Board of Directors to share with us their ‘why’. Superintendent of Business for HPEDSB and Director on The Learning Foundation Nick Pfeiffer shared the following with us.

“I moved to the Belleville area from near Vancouver in 2009 and quickly fell in love with the region. I have benefited from serving on the community advisory committee and the Board of Directors of Quinte Health Care and quickly learned of the huge generosity of the area, but also about the incredible needs. With two children in the public school system, I jumped at the chance to work for Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and currently serve as the Superintendent of Business, managing the corporate side of that complex, people filled, dynamic organization. My work with The Learning Foundation is an extension of my desire to serve the students of Hastings and Prince Edward, and I very much value the many efforts done by The Learning Foundation in filling the needs of all of our students so that they can be successful in school.”

Thank you Nick for sharing your insight and desire to serve the students of Hastings and Prince Edward counties.

More Than Food

Emily Thorne, Dietetic Intern, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

We know that Student Nutrition Programs are great at offering nutritious food to fill hungry tummies. There are other benefits to SNP’s that are less obvious. The benefits extend not only to the students, but also parents, educators, support staff, and communities.

Eating Together:

SNP’s allow students to socialize with others. Learning to enjoy eating with a group can impact meals at home, which can set the stage for spending more time with family. Some students may not be able to sit down for meals with others at home. For these students, SNP’s are a great opportunity to build social skills and learn about sharing food with others.

Culture:

SNP’s can be a way for kids to try foods from different cultures or share foods from their culture with others. This can help students to understand and appreciate the variety of foods and traditions that come from around the world.

Mindfulness:

Our body’s cues may be hard to pay attention to when eating in front of a screen. Eating in a relaxed and positive space without screens allows students to be mindful. Mindfulness is important for noticing when we are still hungry and when we become full. Recognizing hunger cues is an important part of having positive relationships with food and eating.

Learning Environment:

Encouraging kids to fuel up with nutritious foods can benefit the learning environment. When students have full tummies, it can be easier to focus on their schoolwork. Eating well can also help reduce classroom disruptions or challenging behaviours. This contributes to an enjoyable environment for teachers, support staff, and fellow classmates.

Community:

SNP’s encourage members of the community to play an active role at local schools. This can help establish positive community-school partnerships. Interacting with volunteers allows students to feel like they are part of their community. It also reinforces that they are valued and supported by community members.

Student Nutrition Programs are about so much more than just food. Kudos to all coordinators, volunteers, and school staff involved with these programs – you improve the well-being of our students in so many ways!

The Picture of Giving Canada

Investment, tax and lifestyle perspectives from RBC Wealth Management Services
Perspectives – Volume 7, Issue 1, Spring 2019

Reflecting on the “how,” “when” and “why” of charitable giving among Canadians.

With approximately 86,000 registered charities across Canada, and with so many different types and methods of giving, there’s no shortage of options for Canadians when it comes to charitable endeavours. 1 And regardless of where, through what means or how much individuals give, the majority of Canadians do have charitable values and do give in some way. In fact, one public opinion poll notes that 82 percent of Canadians believe charities are important, and a 2018 Ipsos poll also notes that seven out of ten Canadians have given to charity over the past year.2, 3

From a financial impact standpoint, what that translates to, according to Statistics Canada data from 2017, is $9.6 billion in total donations reported by Canadian tax filers, which is up from $8.9 billion in 2016. But interestingly, while the total amount of charitable donations increased that year, the number of individuals making those donations dropped slightly—and this is a trend that’s been ongoing since 2011.4 Similar findings are mirrored in The Giving Report (2018), which states that while Canada experienced growth in population per year from 2006 to 2016, and while Canadians donated more total dollars to charity during that time frame, individuals on average are progressively giving less (at least in regard to what’s being reported by tax filers—statistics such as these may also indicate that fewer people are claiming their donations on tax returns or they’re giving in different ways).5

Trends in giving

In general, Canadians tend to be more spontaneous with their giving, with the majority of individuals making donations in response to a request (whether that’s a mail or online campaign or an appeal following a tragedy or natural disaster, for example) or to support an event, activity or cause (such as attending a charity dinner, a contribution in memory of someone, a donation at work or via canvassers in a public place).6 There’s also a sharp increase in giving around the holiday season, with approximately 30 percent of donations taking place in December.7

And when it comes to the “who” of giving from a demographics standpoint, those aged 65 or over represent the largest donor base and account for over 40 percent of total donations, and also have the highest average donation amount—$2,500, compared to the national average of just over $750.8

Within Canada’s charitable sector, one of the most notable trends in recent years is the growing shift towards online donations, especially among younger generations. Of all methods of giving, Millennial and Gen X Canadians (those born roughly from 1980 to 1993 and 1960 to 1979, respectively) prefer more non-traditional forms (such as online donations) and are more likely to participate in crowdfunding.9 Digital giving has also expanded through a number of different avenues such as consumer or shopping websites, including donation requests or options as an add-on to a purchase, and crowdfunding websites, which are growing in popularity.

Social media has been another strong driver of digital donation trends, as it can offer an easy and quick environment to generate support and to connect with those who may share the same beliefs in and commitment towards a cause. When it comes to donating via social media, according to a recent Ipsos poll, approximately two in ten Canadians have donated to a charity in response to a request that came through their social media account, and again here, younger generations are the most likely to have made this type of donation.10

What’s also important to recognize is the noticeable impact that the rise of crowdfunding and social media charitable requests has had on some charitable organizations, as many donations those charities may have otherwise received are now going to these new types of sources instead (which may not be qualified charities).

What is crowdfunding?

It’s a practice of funding a project, initiative or need by raising funds from a large number of people, and this typically takes place online. Keep in mind that unless you’re donating to a crowdfunding campaign set up by a Canadian registered charity, you won’t receive a charitable donation tax receipt. Also, given the structure of crowdfunding, there’s generally no accountability for where or how the funds get used or reported back to you as the donor.

Where Canadians focus their giving

Among Canadians, the top five areas or causes that individuals give to are social services, health, public benefit, religion and education, and The Giving Report (2018) notes that when it comes to where Canadians donate, there’s quite a bit of divergence, as these five categories each received over 19 percent of the number of donations, whereas the bottom five categories each received 10 percent or less (the total exceeds 100 percent, mainly because certain gifts can apply to more than one category; for example, a donation for education in the field of health).11

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Research also indicates that donors tend to spread their giving out to various causes, as more than three-quarters of donors give to more than one cause, and almost one-quarter support four to five charities.12 While some may view this as an effective way to support multiple charities or causes they care about, another important consideration with this approach is whether it dilutes the impact their giving may have.

Drivers of giving

When you drill down to the “why” behind giving, the main motivations Canadians note include a compassion towards those in need, a personal belief in the cause, wanting to make a contribution to the community or being personally affected by a cause.13

In general, giving—in all of its forms—is something that most Canadians feel provides a sense of fulfillment or that helps them and their families make a difference by contributing to causes they care about.

Regardless of where you and your family may fit in terms of the trends, levels or types of giving, the “why” is an important aspect to zero in on. Giving thought to your charitable motivations and potential philanthropic intentions may help you better define your beliefs in and values, which may then be incorporated into more structured forms of giving that enable you to strengthen those values and to create a more meaningful difference over time.

Building a more meaningful approach

If you’re someone who has philanthropic intentions, or if you’re interested in finding ways to pursue philanthropy or to create a lasting impact, there may be a number of benefits that a more structured approach offers, depending on your goals and objectives.

First, it’s important to understand some of the key differences between charitable giving and philanthropy and then to determine the right balance with your approach to giving. Where charitable giving is more immediate and reactive in nature, philanthropy is a more structured and targeted approach. Philanthropy is about developing a long-term vision for your giving and enables you and your family to be more proactive with it. Additionally, building structure into your giving enables you to organize and map out how and when you will give, providing the means to better reflect your values and to ensure you leave a lasting legacy, if that’s something you feel strongly about.

Options for giving

As part of a philanthropic approach, there are a wide range of options to consider, including giving directly to a charity (with cash, securities, possibly non-cash gifts or even life insurance policies) or indirectly through a private or public foundation, for example. Giving can also be incorporated into your estate plans and in transferring wealth to the next generation. This may take place directly through charitable bequests in your Will, including legacy planning by making a bequest to a donor-advised fund or private foundation. Using a foundation may also allow the next generation to be involved and carry on your legacy after your lifetime. Personally or within your family, it’s about finding the right level and approach that aligns with your philanthropic objectives.

Note: When it comes to the type and timing of the giving strategy you want to pursue, it’s important to consult with your qualified tax advisor to ensure that potential restrictions, taxes and potential advantages or drawbacks are properly accounted for.

Defining your philanthropic “big picture”

When determining if a structured approach to giving may be something you want to pursue or in deciding how you may want to pursue it, take some time to really reflect on your current giving and what goals you have. In doing so, consider your personal and family motivations for giving, now and in the future, as well as how much time and involvement you want to devote to philanthropic endeavours. Depending on your personal situation and family dynamics, you may also want to start having a dialogue and conversations with family members to establish some initial goals and parameters. It’s also crucial to consult with your qualified advisors in mapping out or implementing any giving strategy.

As you engage in this process, keep in mind that philanthropy is individual to each person and family, and it’s a journey that may follow different paths as your goals and objectives shift over time.

For more information on giving and philanthropy, please read the Spring 2018 Perspectives article, “Creating a lasting impact.”

References:
1. Canada’s Charities & Nonprofits. Infographic on Imagine Canada website. Accessed March 2019.
http://www.imaginecanada.ca/sites/default/files/infographic_sector_imaginecanada2018_0.pdf
2. The Guide to Giving. Imagine Canada, 2017.
http://www.imaginecanada.ca/guide-to-giving
3. “More Canadians Giving, and in Different Ways, to Charity.” Ipsos, February 28, 2018.
https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/AFP-2018-What-Canadian-Donors-Want
4. “Charitable Donors, 2017.” The Daily, Statistics Canada, released February 8, 2019.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190208/dq190208c-eng.htm
5. The Giving Report. CanadaHelps CanaDon, 2018.
https://www.canadahelps.org/media/The-Giving-Report-2018.pdf
6. 30 Years of Giving in Canada. Rideau Hall Foundation and Imagine Canada report, 2018.
https://www.rhf-frh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RHF_30years_Report_eng_FNL.pdf
7. The Giving Report. CanadaHelps, 2018.
https://www.canadahelps.org/media/The-Giving-Report-2018.pdf
8. “Charitable Donors, 2017.” The Daily, Statistics Canada, released February 8, 2019.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190208/dq190208c-eng.htm
9. “More Canadians Giving, and in Different Ways, to Charity.” Ipsos, February 28, 2018.
https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/AFP-2018-What-Canadian-Donors-Want
10 Ibid.
11. Ibid.
12. The Giving Report. Canada Helps, 2018.
https://www.canadahelps.org/media/The-Giving-Report-2018.pdf
13. “More Canadians Giving, and in Different Ways, to Charity.” Ipsos, February 28, 2018.
https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/AFP-2018-What-Canadian-Donors-Want
14. 30 Years of Giving in Canada. Rideau Hall Foundation and Imagine Canada report, 2018.
https://www.rhf-frh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RHF_30years_Report_eng_FNL.pdf

We have asked our Board of Directors to share with us their ‘why’. Kevin Vance, Director on The Learning Foundation shared the following with us.

“I volunteer with The Learning Foundation because it provides assistance and helps our kids grow all year round, not just when they are at school.”

Thank you Kevin for sharing with us your ‘why’ and making a difference for our students!

Thanks To All Of Our Donors!

Partner ($100,000+)

Ameresco Canada Inc.
Charitable Foundation of the Ontario Grocery Industry
Classic Hits 95.5/Cool 100 Starboard Communications
John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation Inc.
Kellogg Canada Inc.
President’s Choice Children’s Charity
The Community Foundation of Greater Kingston
Women’s Christian Association of Belleville

Builder ($50,000+)

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
Centre Hastings Community Support & Education Inc
Dr. Elizabeth Churcher
Johnson Inc.
Kiwanis Club of Belleville
Senators Foundation
Quinte Broadcasting Company

Colleague ($25,000+)

Bridge St. United Church Foundation
Centre Hastings Community Support & Education Inc.
Dewe’s Independent
Doug Whitley Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Gore Mutual Insurance Company Foundation
HAI Precision Waterjets Inc.
Hydro One Inc.
Isobel Whitley
Paul Whitley
Procter & Gamble
Reid’s Dairy
Sandra Whitley-Russell
Trenval Business Development Corp.

Associate ($10,000+)

Avaya
Bay-Shore Industrial Contractors Ltd.
Bell Canada
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
Canadian Tire Trenton
Dor-Ann Homes Ltd.
Dr. Edgar Barnett
Duvanco Homes
East Central Ontario Training Board
Faye Smith
Intact Foundation
Jack G. Hilton
Johannes Welsh
Karen and Rob Morrow
Kawartha Credit Union
Kerry Donnell
Leealan Holdings Ltd.
Leonard W. Black
Market High Advertising
Newman’s Own Foundation
Pioneer Hi-Bred Canada Co.
Prince Edward District Women’s Institute
Quinte Home Builders’ Association
RBC Foundation
Reid’s Dairy
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Rotary Club of Belleville
Rotary Club of Picton
Rotary Club of Stirling
Rotary Club of Trenton
Rotary Club of Wellington
Smylie’s Independent Grocer
Stinson Builders Ltd.
TD Bank
TD Canada Trust
Tim Hortons
TransCanada Pipelines Inc.
Trenton Cold Storage
Wal-Mart
Wellington Women’s Half
Wilkinson & Company LLP
Wilson Controls

 

In Memory Of

Amy Jacklin
Audrey Parkhurst
Austin Chapleau
B. Radbourne
Carl Pitman
Chuck Slik
Christopher Campbell
Dave Stott
Dorothy Blakely
Elizabeth A. Fort
Evelyn Bryant
Evelyn Burkitt
Gary Duggan
Gordon McGaughey
Harry J. Van Vlack
Jacquie Steele White
Jean Mary Hutchison
Jessica N. Murray
John T.E. Reid
Joyce Sarles
Kathy Lawrie-Tyerman
Leo Logue
Marshall Dunning
Mary Elizabeth Sutherland
Morgan Carleton
Nathan Hubel
Nicole Howat
Pat Malloy
Pauline Hoover
Philip Etter
Phyllis I. McGaughey
Robert Fox
Ruth Ann Cole-Cummings
Susan Grav
Susan Strong
Sharon Gannon
William Trenear

In Honour Of

Christine Walker-Bird
Dianne Winmill
Jane Hill
Jim Bamford
Larry Langdon
Rob Pownall
Susan Grav
Veronica Ford

Partners in Education

Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
Breakfast Club of Canada
Breakfast for Learning
City of Belleville
City of Quinte West
Corporation of North Hastings
County of Hastings
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board
Hastings-Prince Edward Elementary Teachers’ Local
Hastings County Children’s Services
Loyalist College
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
Quinte Mohawk School
The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward

We have asked our Board of Directors to share with us their ‘why’. Patti MacDougall, Director on The Learning Foundation shared the following with us.

“Why am I on the board- well for a couple of reasons- I am so amazed by the good work that is associated with the Learning Foundation and it has long been a dream to be able to help support kids, now that our family is raised. In my career I have had the opportunity to work with many young people and I have seen first-hand how the support and a bit of interest and kindness can turn a child/ young person’s life around. What a gift to be able to contribute even in a small way to do that. We are fortunate to have our business in this area, and to be able to give back to our community, one that has been so supportive of us. I look very forward to this new chapter!”

Thank you for choosing to volunteer with The Learning Foundation Patti, your kindness and compassion are inspiring!

We have asked our Board of Directors to share with us their ‘why’. Al Stitt, Director on The Learning Foundation shared the following with us.

“As a retired educator I had the opportunity to work and observe many communities within our School district. I witnessed the needs of students and families on a daily basis. These needs have only increased over the years.

My years on The Learning Foundation Board have solidified these thoughts and made me realize how important the role of The Foundation is in our Community.

Our role as a Foundation is to provide support to the students to enable them to successfully complete their education., which is why I have always felt privileged and honoured to be a Learning Foundation Board member, to work with such a professional staff and Board.

I look forward to a continued positive relationship with Staff, Teachers and Administration of HPEDSB to carry out the mission Statement of the Learning Foundation and to make a difference for our students.”

Thank you Al for your encouragement, enthusiasm and support to help students in our community.

We have asked our Board of Directors to share with us their ‘why’. June Hagerman, Director on The Learning Foundation shared the following with us.

“When I began my teaching career, before there was a Learning Foundation, I learned the lessons of the importance of health services, food security and caring support for our students by our school nurse, Marg Wiggins. Marg’s efforts help create a positive school environment where school attendance improved; students engaged socially with greater confidence and student academic success improved. Marg networked with our community partners to arrange – free of charge- dental appointments, eye glasses, and nutritious food for our students. The list goes on.

As a secondary school administrator, our student success team adopted UNICEF’s mission statement, Every child (student). Every opportunity. No exceptions. With the support of The Learning Foundation and other community agencies we provided nutritious meals; ensured students came to school with the appropriate attire, hygiene products and learning tools. We were regularly reaching out for required health services – both mental and physical for our students.

Now in retirement, it has been a privilege to be a member of the Board of Directors. This academic school year, has had it challenges to be an active volunteer but I have totally been gob smacked by our Foundation Team’s rapid action to serve so many of our students and families to meet their emergency and school needs during this pandemic. No student has been left behind!

It is with tremendous pride that I look forward to serving on the Board in the years ahead.”

Thank you June for sharing with us your why, and the importance of the support of The Learning Foundation can provide for our students.

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