Being a student shouldn’t break the bank.
For some families, the end of the school year means that it’s time to start saving money for the next year. But not everybody can afford it, and for them, there is help.
A local campaign called Skool-Aid is asking for donations to help students in Greater Trail buy school supplies for next summer.
It might seem early to fundraise for September when school isn’t even out yet, said Louise McEwan, a Catholic community volunteer who is currently working on the third annual campaign to aid local students.
“I don’t think people realize how much poverty there is in Trail,” she said. “Because there are some jobs that pay really well in the area and we don’t necessarily see the same problems in the streets as you might in a bigger city, but that doesn’t mean poverty doesn’t exist.”
McEwan said the campaign is beginning now while the current school term is on because it’s easier to connect with people who need help while classes are still in session.
“We tried to do this once in August, and it was very hard to find answers,” she said.
Schools supplies are available for low-income families in Fruitvale Elementary School, Glenmerry Elementary School, Webster Elementary School, Saint Michael’s School, J. L. Crowe Secondary and Rossland Secondary School, based on a written referral from a school official.
Last year the program aided 112 students with school supplies, and this year McEwan expects the demand to be equally high.
The program works closely with Hall’s Basics to aid students from kindergarten to Grade 12 serving families all the way from Rossland to Fruitvale.
Hall’s Basics sells discounted items to the Skool-Aid initiative, as well as preparing and distributing the packages to the schools.
Most participants choose to remain anonymous.
If you would like to donate to this year’s campaign, all donations of $20 or more will receive an official tax receipt. For more information contact McEwan at 250-364-1781 or louisemcewan@shaw.ca