COVID-19 Grants: Thames Valley Education Foundation

COVID-19 Grants: Thames Valley Education Foundation

The Thames Valley Education Foundation (TVEF) is a registered charitable organization affiliated with the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) that fosters, supports and builds relationships in the community to provide enhanced learning opportunities for TVDSB students. The Caring Fund, one of TVEFs primary initiatives, was established to support students facing issues related to poverty or during emergencies.

The ripple effects of school closures and the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic were immediately felt by families throughout the community. Within just a few weeks, the number of requests for support through the Caring Fund had quadrupled.

“We’ve witnessed the devastating impact on some school families first-hand. In one case, every single member of the family lost their job in one week – both parents and two teens,” says Jackie Ellefsen, Executive Director of Thames Valley Education Foundation. “Families already struggling with food insecurity found themselves facing extra financial complications due to COVID-19.”

Thanks to grants from LCF COVID-19 Response Fund and the federal Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), TVEF was able to adjust their support methods and meet the huge increase in demand brought about by the pandemic.

“At the beginning, we weren’t sure if we would have the funds to support the increased need,” says Jackie. “The funding from LCF and the ECSF allowed us to keep up with the demand and has helped us plan for the next school year. We don’t know what September will look like, but we expect higher needs as we enter a new and unique school year.”

The pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone. However, there are many in our community whose struggles existed before COVID-19 and who will continue to experience those same hardships after.

“We have all faced a crisis, but it’s important to remember that some people in our community are always in crisis,” says Jackie. “The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked an outpouring of compassion and community support that I hope will continue next year.”

The Caring Fund supports students year-round and 100% of donations made to the TVEF go directly to TVDSB students. If you’d like to make a donation, please visit www.tvdsb.ca/tvef_donate.