To the Editor,
The Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation would like to thank the Nanaimo and Ladysmith communities for their generous support of our programs for students within Nanaimo school district.
Without that help, our programs would not exist.
Unfortunately, Nanaimo ranks amongst the top three in B.C. for child poverty. This is an alarming statistic that highlights the great need for an effective foundation that supports vulnerable students.
The foundation has the ability to support the students in Nanaimo school district immediately and confidentially with the help of the principals, teachers and counsellors. We are a volunteer-driven organization with 20 community members who sit as the board of directors.
In the fall of 2010, we raised almost $50,000 with the generous support of Staples Business Depot and the community for our Stock the Lockers campaign.
Thirty thousand dollars worth of school supplies went directly to vulnerable students in September and the remaining $20,000 was distributed in October to help the children make it through the year.
Our student support fund was created in 2009 to provide staff and teachers in each secondary school with money to immediately assist vulnerable students. In 2010, we expanded the program to all 30 elementary schools in the district. This cash fund allows school staff to confidentially assist vulnerable students who arrive to school without breakfast or lunch, assist students who need a warm jacket or new pair of runners and help with field trip fees, sports fees or graduation fees.
Our ongoing scholarship, bursary and awards program gives graduating Grade 12 students the opportunity for financial assistance for post-secondary education.
We have $260,000 to distribute this year and with the rising cost of post-secondary education, we hope to continue to raise funds next year to make more dreams become a reality.
This year promises to be a busy one for the foundation, and we are hoping our community continues to support our efforts.
For more information, please go to www.nlsf.ca or call 250-753-4074.
Fred Kolodrubsky president
Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation
