A maximum of $500 may be available for students in Toronto

BY PAUL JUNOR

“A thirteen-year-old suffers from a hair loss condition called alopecia. Though she is currently receiving regular treatment, with no money to buy a wig, she endures low self-esteem, which has strongly impacted her ability to attend school. Her teacher applied to the Emergency Fund and was able to get this young girl a fitted wig. The young girl now attends school regularly, participates in class, and has made a strong group of friends.”

As COVID-19 continues to impact students, parents and caregivers within Toronto schools, there is much support that students can access. There are many challenges that families faced during this unprecedented time especially financially.

Many of these families are not aware that they can access emergency funds to help them out. The Toronto District School Board has a partnership with United Way Greater Toronto, which helped to support diverse community groups within its schools. In addition, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS) are involved in initiatives such as nutrition programs as well as hearing and optometry clinics, in addition to its program after 3:30 p.m.

It has just added the “TFSS Emergency Fund” which is “set up to provide children and youth with immediate support in emergency situations. It could be a warm coat, a pair of shoes with no holes, or even decent food to see them through the weekend.” Sadly, without the TFSS Emergency Fund, many young people will go without these things. https: //tfss.ca/tfss-emergency -fund/

The brochure that advertises the TIFF Emergency reveals data that, “One in every three children in Toronto lives in poverty and 245,000 children attend TDSB schools.” This indicates over 80,000 kids are in financial need. This has been exacerbated by COVID-19 that has heightened economic inequities in Toronto, particularly in hotspots.

A teacher recounts the story of a student who just arrived in Canada.

“It’s been a cold winter and as a new immigrant, my student just wasn’t ready for it. He was missing boots, a good winter coat and a proper Canadian toque! I took him to the store where he chose his own style, which made him feel very proud. He doesn’t miss school anymore!”

In order to access the TFSS Emergency Fund parents, caregivers or guardians have to fill out an Emergency Fund Application Form with the assistance of any principal, teacher, or professional support services staff member. A maximum of $ 500 may be available for each student.

The TFSS brochure notes that, “Requests come from all corners of Toronto and are as varied as the children we are here to support. As long as requests help students succeed, we are able to grant them.”

TFFS gets donations from the wider TDSB school communities that can be directly debated through payroll deductions or from corporations, foundations and individual donors. Anyone can donate to the TFSS at www.tfss.ca. For parents, caregivers or guardians who need emergency financial help, they can call 416-394-6880 or email info@tfss.ca