Halton Learning Foundation Launches 2026 Back-to-School Campaign to Help 400 Local Students

As the new school year draws closer, the Halton Learning Foundation has opened its 2026 Back-to-School campaign, hoping to give hundreds of local students the basics they need to walk into September ready to learn.

What Happened

The Halton Learning Foundation, a charity that supports students across the Halton District School Board, has launched its annual Back-to-School fundraising drive, according to FM101 Milton Now. The foundation says its goal is to provide emergency support to about 400 board students before the new school year begins.

The money raised helps cover the everyday essentials that many families take for granted, including food, school supplies and clothing. Rather than handing out fixed kits, the foundation says support is generally provided through gift cards, so families can buy what their own children actually need.

Key Details

• The campaign aims to reach roughly 400 Halton District School Board students before classes resume.

• The foundation says one in eight board students faces financial challenges that can make preparing for the school year difficult.

• During the 2025-26 school year, the foundation responded to more than 2,600 requests for help from school staff.

• Support is typically delivered through gift cards for items such as backpacks, shoes, school supplies and groceries.

• New or increased monthly donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar for up to one year, to a maximum of $15,000, through support from belairdirect.

Community Impact

For Milton families feeling the pressure of rising grocery and clothing costs, a program like this can quietly remove a real barrier at a stressful time of year. A student who starts the year with the right supplies and a full backpack is better placed to focus on learning and to feel like they belong in the classroom. Because the foundation works directly through school staff, help can reach local children discreetly, without singling anyone out.

Background

The Halton Learning Foundation is a registered charity that raises money to remove financial barriers for students across the Halton District School Board. Residents who want to support the campaign or learn more can visit the foundation's website.

Source: FM101 Milton Now — https://www.miltonnow.ca/2026/08/07/138343/

This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. Milton Baithak does not claim ownership of original source reporting. For corrections or removal requests, please contact Milton Baithak.