Underprivileged children will start another school year with basic school supplies, food and other necessities, thanks to the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation.
The foundation kicked off its fourth annual Stock the Lockers Campaign Aug. 15 in Nanaimo when representatives from the school district and sponsoring companies, including Coastal Community Credit Union, Costco, Staples and other supporters turned out for event.
The fundraising target for this year’s campaign, which runs until Sept. 5, is $50,000 to buy school supplies and help provide basic necessities, including school lunch and breakfast programs for children in need.
Sponsors and supporters have helped raise $140,000 for the foundation’s Student Support Fund since the campaign started in 2009.
“It’s been huge support from the community,” said Erin van Steen, foundation executive director. “I can’t say enough about how much of a difference that money makes to the vulnerable children within our school district and how much it assists them with going back to school and also throughout the school year.”
The campaign is the foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser.
Locally, the goal is to raise $10,000 to help Ladysmith students.
Residents can donate in person at the Ladysmith and District Credit Union from now until Sept. 5.
As well, donations can be made by cash or cheque through the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation office by calling 250-753-4074 or online at the schools foundation’s website at www.nlsf.ca.
