United Way of Haldimand and Norfolk’s Stuff the Bus Program Helps 535 Local Students

September 20 – For Immediate Release

With the help of the community, United Way of Haldimand and Norfolk was able to provide new school supplies to 535 students. Supplies were delivered one week prior to the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year to help children across Haldimand, Norfolk, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. A parent whose children received supplies shared their story, “I’ve never been in this position before, not being able to get supplies for my child. I really appreciate that she is able to start a new year fully prepared with supplies. Thank you so much!” A grade five student upon picking up their supplies exclaimed, “Wow! I can’t believe we get to pick from all this stuff!”

Stuff the Bus has been running for four years in Haldimand and Norfolk. Robert Weber, Principal of Houghton Public School, shares his experience, “I have been involved with the program for many years. It is well organized. I love it.” Weber states, “We often have new registrants that have no contact with the school. Sometimes they just show up to attend without anything with them. We have a spot where we line up the backpacks and the students can “shop” for what they like. This is a really nice inclusive, barrier-breaking opportunity.”

Brittany Burley, Executive Director of United Way of Haldimand and Norfolk, adds “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our community for their incredible support. For our fourth year in a row, we have been able to provide supplies to every student that has requested them. This would not be possible without the extensive support of our community members, groups, and our local businesses.”

United Way of Haldimand and Norfolk would like to thank the following groups and businesses for their support; Dover Coast Community, Don Hyde Marine, Faith Centennial United Church, FirstOntario Credit Union, Garnet United Church, Groundswell Coworking, Imperial, Klassic Coconut, Libro Credit Union, Norfolk Community Help Centre, Norview Lodge, OPP (Haldimand and Norfolk), RBC, Scotlynn Group, Sharp Bus Lines, Shelter Cove Community, Simcoe Natural Foods, Swiss Chalet/Harvey’s, TD Bank, Toyotetsu, True Experience, Waterford Chamber of Commerce (Barry Malcolm), Zen Country Wellness, and many anonymous donors. Finally, an extra special thank you to volunteer Katrina Beattie who was instrumental to this year’s success.

Stuff the Bus will take place again next fall to continue ensuring that children have the supplies that they need to succeed in school. If you’d like to be involved, please contact us at [email protected] or 519-426-5660.