The Education Foundation of Ottawa
Posted on 04/01/2020
The Education Foundation of Ottawa is the independent charitable arm of the
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and exists to reduce economic
barriers to successful learning by leveling the playing field for all students regardless of personal or socioeconomic circumstances.
Education Foundation of Ottawa
These have been trying time for all; especially our OCDSB families that need us
now more than ever. As a coordinated effort, the Education Foundation of Ottawa
would like to inform you that we have committed to the following:
- We will donate $25,000 to the Ottawa Network for Education’s (ONFE)
effort in distributing their School Breakfast Replacement Kit program.
These kits will be provided to prioritized communities already providing
food hampers within the communities they serve. This will include schools
that have the highest student needs and that can receive the first wave of
distribution. ONFE is continuing urgent work to finalize models to expand
their reach to students and their families across the entire city. Please see
ONFE’s media release here. Instructions on how families can access kits
are expected as soon as possible as this strategy evolves. If anyone would like to donate to ONFE’s efforts, kits cost $22/each; donations are
being accepted by visiting the following link: bit.ly/ONFEfeedskids.
- We continue to work closely with our OCDSB and community partners to
identify families in need and to find the most effective way to get support
into their hands as soon as possible. Please know that a strategic, coordinated, accessible, and equitable plan takes time. We will provide updates as they become available. If you have families in immediate need, please seek the professional guidance of your OCDSB school social
worker to access formal and informal supports.
As developments continue, I encourage you to stay connected to your colleagues, school staff, and families to ensure they are being given a consistent message. Please reinforce the message that utilizing community resources may be best practice until we can provide additional information
regarding support for families (outside of the previously addressed area of food
security).
On behalf of the Education Foundation of Ottawa staff and our Board of Directors, we applaud your efforts during these unprecedented times. I am confident that we are all committed to helping our most vulnerable families. I also appreciate your continued understanding and patience as we tackle these uncharted waters one day at a time.
With gratitude,
Clarissa Arthur
Executive Director
Education Foundation of Ottawa