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Bm CONTRIBUTED FAMILIES IN STATE OF EMERGENCY, LEARNING FOUNDATION SAYS SHERRI ARMSTRONG armstrongs@haltonlearning foundation.ca With the price of food and other necessities ris- ing beyond many people's ability to afford them, the Halton Learning Founda- tion (HLF) is sounding the alarm on students who September, HLF has pro- vided emergency financial support for a record num- ber of students of the Hal- ton District School Board (HDSB) — 30 per cent more than last year at this time —and the charity's busiest weeks still lie ahead. “We need ongoing fund- ing to continue to support kids' basic needs for food, Jameson Glas READERS. Halton Learning Foundation sncial Barriers to Education HLF image Halton Learning Foundation is seeking donations for families in need. winter clothing and school supplies, and ie help en- nts are tunities,’ Mansfield, CEO of HLF. ‘Every day we hear from teachers and princi- pals about families who are barely getting by this fall. Parents' financial strug- gles can have a direct im- pact on students' ability to learn — whether it's due to alack of nutrition, a lack of technology to complete school work, or perhaps be- cause they need prescrip- that the par- requests fi e s in the HDSB on behalf of students in need. Teachers and principals are ing y more families this year are spending a disproportion- ate amount of their income on housing and utilities, leaving little Jet for food, supplies and other neces One man, recently migrated with 1 his family from South America, shared with HLF that 85 per cent of his salary is used to pay rent and utili- ties. "We are participating in Buying? Selling? Re-financing? (@- | RUCmielar-Relleltca- la 905-845-0767 ext. 223 T: 905-845-0767 - F: 905-845-5552 gave a Happy New Year! a v Patient Counselling v Complete Diabetic Care v¥ Home Visits ¥ Consultations v Free RX Delivery v Free Nutrition Counselling ¥ Vaccinations v Cholesterol, AIC, AFib and DNA Screening DE RANGO PHARMACY INC. www.shoppersdrugmart. some food banks church to get food and an er supplies," he said. "Un- fortunately me jough. aren have wo ition prob- oeThis season, HLF is ask- No Si Left Behind gift to help a student in need in our com- unity. Donations in tribute toa favourite teacher, friend or family member are wel- comed and an e-card may be sent to the recipient to let them know about the generous gift made in their new believe that if we improve the health and school,” said Mansfield. "If kids do better in school, it can lead them toa better fu- ture. For more information or to donate, please visit nos- tudentleftbehind.ca. - Source: Halton Learning Foundation BIG GIG HB LETTER TO THE EDITOR MPP’S COLUMN FAILS TO MENTION GOVERNMENT'S BROKEN PROMISE Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford's recent column on Bill 23 overlooks the es- sential fact that for years Doug Ford and the Conser- vative government have re- affirmed their commitment to protecting the Greenbelt. There is no shortage ot examples — many of ad easily accessible online — from the premier, minis- ters and other MPPs assur- ing Ontarians that the gov- ernment would reject any proposals to develop Greenbelt land. it is curious why the government has suddenly reversed course on this is- sue, and, at the same time, stripped the ability of con- servation authorities to re- ject developments that would cause flooding or de- stroy precious wetlant 0 ians are right to be suspicious about the government's about-face UNLIMITED freedommobile.ca Oakville Smart Centre Walkers 261 Oak Walk Drive Oakville 289.291.3261 Burlingtor 789.4275260 ppleby Village 3505 Voor Middle Road am New Street ington 9056350504 on this issue. Numerous media reports have ex- posed the questionable timing of recent purchases of Greenbelt land by devel- opers with ties to the Con- servative party. Thanks to Bill 23, these developers are poised to cashin big. Various organi- zations and opposition MPPs have a for inqui- ries and eve! vestigation into’ the nature of these purchases and the timing of Bill 23. What's missing from Mr. Crawford's column is an explanation of why promises were made to vot- ers about the Greenbelt that are now being re- versed. Whois Bill 23 really for? BILL HUNTER, JUDIE MOLLEY, MARY BROWN, SANDRA VOISIN, WENDY ROBERTS AND MELISSA GISMONDI |ALTON RESIDENTS OUR A 4 Freedom mobi 2202 '6z seqwe0eq ‘Kepsiny | Joneo@ OMIAHEO | 2 woo"uoy}EYyapIsUt