“Now More than Ever” campaign surpasses goal

It was a lofty goal that was met and surpassed by the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation’s “Now More than Ever” campaign.

Last year, with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, the Foundation made the decision to temporarily pause some programs and focus on providing students with food support and with additional essential items such as clothing and personal hygiene during the school year.

The Superheroes of Hope “Now More than Ever” campaign was launched in October with a goal to raise $400,000 to support the Food for Learning, Student Emergency Fund and Food for Home programs.

Tuesday, the Foundation announced the campaign raised $435,107.33 with money still coming in.

Executive Director Maribeth DeSnoo says they were able to raise the money despite having to cancel annual fundraising events like the Food for Learning Auction and the Student Emergency Fund Golf Tournament.

DeSnoo thanked everyone who made a donation, adding they were overwhelmed by the support of new donors.

“We have 192 new donors who have never supported us before, probably didn’t know about us, who gave almost $81,000 to this campaign.”

DeSnoo said the help of local media was paramount to spreading the word about the campaign.

Principal Marion Wilson of Bird’s Creek Public School in Bancroft says money raised from the campaign provides financially stretched families with essentials.

“By providing some of our most fragile families gift cards for groceries throughout the summer through the Food for Home program, we helped to meet the basic needs of their children. It may also have meant that those families were able to purchase some much needed clothing or shoes for growing children as some of the grocery bill was being taken care of.”

The Foundation is preparing to resume some of its annual fundraising events this year, with planning for a Food for Learning spring event and the Student Emergency Fund Golf Tournament underway.