Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation provided a record amount of assistance to students in need last school year, and has embarked on a campaign to raise $50,000 more.
The foundation's Stock the Lockers campaign, which assists with basics like clothing and supplies, is on till Sept. 15.
In 2023-24, the foundation provided $86,000 in assistance – not including the food program – through the student support fund, the highest-ever one-year total, said Crystal Dennison, the foundation's executive director.
There were more requests for emergency support last year from family members stepping in to assist other family members, she said, for example grandparents looking for ways to support their grandchildren.
"Unfortunately, in those cases, we see a population that have raised their own children and aren't necessarily in a financial situation to be [able] to provide all the extra supports that come with having young children in school," said Dennison.
Stock the Lockers also raises money for food, a service that has grown and changed to meet the needs of students.
"Over the last number of years, the food program has evolved from providing weekly grocery deliveries to a handful of some of our highest-need schools, to now providing weekly food deliveries to elementary and secondary," Dennison said. "I think there's 32 schools now receiving weekly deliveries, and in addition to that, we've started to provide pre-made breakfast, lunches to elementary schools daily."
In addition to meals, clothing and school supplies, money raised also goes towards field trips, athletics and graduation fees.
"We will support medical, dental and other extraordinary emergency response for children that are faced with emergency situations," said Dennison.
While Stock the Lockers goes until mid-September, the foundation does accept donations year-round. To donate money or to find out more information about the campaign, visit www.nlsf.ca. Anyone with questions can reach Dennison at 250-743-4074 or via e-mail at crystal.dennison@sd68.bc.ca.
