To the Editor,
Re: School district addresses support for vulnerable students in Nanaimo, March 3.
It is sad that almost one in five local school children are living in poverty. Children don’t choose to be born into poverty, and many may grow up never realizing their human potential. Many local families are affected by ‘situational’ poverty as a result of divorce, death of a spouse, loss of employment, chronic illness. Making ends meet on low-paying jobs while trying to cover the high cost of rent, child care, food and, in some cases, paying off student loans, is a monthly challenge for many in our communities.
There are a number of local charitable organizations that provide support for students in need. Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation was established more than nine years ago to help give vulnerable and accomplished School District 68 students an equal chance to succeed. Generous community donors provide the means to respond to students’ many needs – be it school supplies, clean clothes or shoes, food to ensure they start their school day with breakfast, or scholarships/bursaries to help Grade 12 graduates with the high cost of post-secondary education.
Many more students need help.
Crystal Dennisonexecutive directorNanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation
