Thanks to generous donors, local school children were able to start the year with the required school supplies.
The seventh annual Stock the Lockers campaign raised $45,712 to help support vulnerable students.
The Stock the Lockers campaign of Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation raises money to provide school supplies for students whose families are affected by poverty.
Most of the money raised helps provide vulnerable students with school supplies; the remainder is used for food programs, adequate clothing and shoes, eye and dental care, fees for field trips and grad, and other urgent needs as identified by teachers and principals.
Staples collected $14,506 in donations at the checkouts. Coastal Community Credit Union branches raised $7,300, and DP World gave $10,000 to pay for 4,000 meals.
In addition, Country Grocer, local service clubs, private donors, and School District 68 employees contributed more than $13,900 to the campaign.
The foundation’s executive director Crystal Dennison said that in the past seven years, local donors have helped raise more than $305,000 for the Stock the Lockers campaign.
“We’re so thankful for the generosity of our donors – they’re truly making an investment in the future of local students and their community,” said Dennison. “Starting the school year with the right supplies can make a big difference to the educational success of many students. Our Stock the Lockers campaign helps ensure that all students are able to come to school ready to learn.”
She said that poverty is very real among many students in the Nanaimo school district that historically has a high child poverty rate.
“Despite issues of poverty, many students are successful in their academic achievements. Giving them a helping hand in the form of school supplies, adequate shoes for PE, clean clothes, food, and other basic needs allows them to better focus on their education,” said Dennison.
The needs are great, and Dennison works closely with principals, teachers and school staff who know which children require help. She said that the schools foundation will continue to fundraise throughout the year to ensure students are receiving the support they require.
For more information about Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation, please visit the website www.NLSF.ca.