January 15th, 2025

The Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI) is pleased to donate $50,000 to support local community partnerships and programs that support students in Waterloo Region.

On December 4, 2024, the WEFI Board of Directors approved donations to the following local organizations and programs:

“The WEFI donation to community partners and programs demonstrates an ongoing commitment to supporting the students of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB),” said Scott Miller, Interim Director of Education and WEFI President. “Through supporting these partners, WEFI is helping to ensure that identity and social location are no longer barriers to academic achievement and well-being.”

WRDSB appreciates the generous donations and contributions of families and community members to support WEFI. These local organizations were selected for their long-standing dedication to supporting students across Waterloo Region. They help to combat food insecurity and ensure students have access to winter clothing through the WEFI Winter Wear program.

“We are pleased that generous community donations to WEFI enable us to support local programs and initiatives focused on providing student nutrition and winter clothing for the youth of the Waterloo Region District School Board,” said Maedith Radlein, member of the WEFI Board of Directors and Chairperson of the WRDSB Board of Trustees. “Thank you for your ongoing support of WRDSB students’ health and well-being.”

Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI)

WEFI Supports WRDSB Students

For WRDSB students, this donation means equitable access to nutritious food and warm winter clothing, which makes a significant impact on their learning experiences.
These partnerships ensure that all students have an opportunity to reach their full potential.

Food4Kids Waterloo Region

“With this donation alone, 11 children in the WRDSB will receive the nutritious food they deserve for an entire year. You are showing these children that they are valued and cared for. We are currently servicing 1,200 children and youth weekly from 108 of 151 Public and Catholic Elementary Schools,” said Faune Lang, Executive Director, Food 4 Kids Waterloo Region. “The need is growing daily. Currently, 260+ students are on our waitlist and have been identified as severely food insecure. Together, we can change the narrative. The work and care teachers, staff, board members, and support workers provide for these children daily is remarkable. I thank you for your unwavering support for our youth.”

The May Court Club of Kitchener-Waterloo

“On behalf of The May Court Club of KW, I want to express my gratitude for the donation towards the Food Box Outreach Program. The donation is helping us address food insecurity within Waterloo Region’s elementary and high schools,” said Sharon Wagner, May Court Club President. “To date this year, May Court’s Food Box Program has spent over $11,000 which is almost the total of what we spent last year. We have delivered 179 boxes to approximately 120 public and catholic, elementary and high schools.”

Nutrition for Learning

“WEFI’s ongoing care for the overall well-being of students means more than ever before. At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, we are seeing emergency levels of food insecurity across Waterloo Region schools. It truly does take a village to holistically support students, and this is what WEFI does,” said Erin Moraghan, Chief Executive Officer, Nutrition for Learning. “We’re so grateful for support once again for our school food programs from WEFI. These programs support an equitable experience at school for students K-12 by providing food access when students need it. Thank you WEFI for supporting student well-being each year.”

WEFI Winter Wear

The WEFI Winter Wear program purchases winter clothing (boots, coats, hats and mitts) for students in need. With proper outdoor clothing during the winter months, students are able to engage in learning activities both inside and outside the classroom.

Donate Now to Support WEFI

You can help make a difference for our students by making a donation to WEFI. A small donation can have a big impact – whether it’s helping to make sure a child is fed before they start their day of learning, or providing the opportunity for a student to experience extracurricular activities.

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About the Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI)

The Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI) is a registered charitable foundation, which operates through the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and is managed by a Board of Directors.

Together, the WRDSB and WEFI have had a long-term commitment to providing assistance for students in need, and an equally strong dedication to supporting local programs that improve the learning conditions for students. WEFI continues to support community partnerships which directly benefit WRDSB students.

Learn more about Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI).