Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

ALL ABOARD! The Chew Chew Train IS ON ITS WAY, and it wants to make a special stop at YOUR school!

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

ALL ABOARD! The Chew Chew Train IS ON ITS WAY, and it wants to make a special stop at YOUR school!

September is Hunger Action Month, and it's the perfect time to take action! Together, we can make sure our students have full bellies and fueled brains to thrive in school! At the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting children and youth throughout their journey with DDSB, working to ease poverty-related stress and strengthen our community.

This year, the need is greater than ever, and we need YOU to help us fill the shelves! The Make A Difference Depot has already distributed over 300 kg of food hampers in just the first few weeks of school, and we need your help to keep up with the growing demand.

We know how hard our DDSB staff and community work to support our students, and we’re excited to invite you to host the ‘Chew Chew Train’ at your school this year! Whether it’s a toonie or a truckload, every little bit makes a difference, directly supporting DDSB students and families in need.

Let’s aim high! This year, our goal is to raise $50,000 worth of food to stock the Depot and make a real, tangible difference in the lives of our students. Last year, thanks to your incredible support, we collected a whopping 6,586.21 kg of food—that’s as much as a herd of African Savannah elephants! Let’s see if we can go even bigger this year!

Did you know it costs $1,670 a month to feed a family of four? That’s without factoring in special dietary needs, cultural food preferences, or basic household items like toothpaste and cleaning supplies. And with 15.5% of Durham families fearing they’ll run out of food, your support is more important than ever.

Here’s how YOU can help:

1. Host a Chew Chew Train Food Drive at your school this year to support the Make A Difference Depot.

2. In-kind donations of food and essential items are accepted.

3. You can also help by donating through our Amazon Wish List or making a monetary donation online.

4. Sign up for 1 (or more!) food drive dates that work for your school community on the attached form.

5. Once your date is confirmed, the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation will send you digital assets to promote your campaign.

At the end of your campaign, we’ll work with you to coordinate delivery or pick-up of all donations to the Depot.

Together, we can achieve this goal and ensure that no student goes hungry. Can we count on your support?

Hunger Action Month: Rallying the Durham Region to Combat Hunger

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

September marked Hunger Action Month, and the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) took this opportunity to spotlight the urgency of addressing food insecurity, particularly among students in the Durham District School Board (DDSB).

At the IDLF, our mission is clear: to support children and youth in need across the DDSB, reducing the stress of poverty and fostering a healthier, more inclusive community. We understand the direct link between proper nutrition and academic success.

The IDLF encourages residents of the Durham Region to get involved in dismantling hunger through our Chew Chew Train campaign. Let’s work together this year to achieve our goal to raise $50,000 worth of Food to fill the Depot and truly make a difference.

Ways the community can get involved:

Monetary donations
In-kind food donations (drop-off Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm at 400 Taunton Road)
Volunteering
Raising awareness

Together, we can make a meaningful impact and ensure that no child goes hungry in our community.

In just the first few weeks of the school year, the IDLF has distributed more than 300 kg of food hampers to local schools and families, demonstrating our commitment to alleviating food insecurity across the region.

In September, IDLF events to combat hunger included a lunch for over 200 students and staff at Mary St. Community School and a breakfast for 300 at Lakewood Public School. These initiatives provided essential nutrition and fostered a sense of community.

Key Points:

15% of Durham Region households do not have enough money to buy food, and 1 in 4 children in Durham Region face some type of food insecurity.
The Chew Chew Train campaign, now in its 2nd year.
Thank you to all the DDSB schools, DDSB education centre staff, school community councils and student leadership teams that host food drives to support IDLF.
Thank you to Frank and Kim Auddino, Whitby Sunrise Rotary and Lear Corp for your financial support of in school meal programs.
Thank you to IDLF individual donors who support our Student Nutrition fund that provides food Access to Classrooms and Kids (S.N.A.C.K.) Pillar.

For more information on how you can support the IDLF and our mission, please visit: Ignite Durham Learning Foundation or contact 905-666-6000.

Stacey Lepine-Fisher

Executive Director, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

Lear Corporation Whitby: A Beacon of Generosity for Glen St. Public School

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:00:00 GMT

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and generosity, Lear Corporation Whitby has made a significant impact on Glen St. Public School, a local Elementary School within the Durham District School Board. Throughout the school year, Lear Corporation has provided a monthly pizza lunch for the staff and students, bringing joy and a sense of togetherness to the school community.

As the school year drew to a close, Lear Corporation's commitment to Glen St. Public School reached new heights. They graciously organized a nourishing breakfast for the entire school, ensuring that every student started their day with a healthy meal. Additionally, they restocked the school's snack pantry, ensuring that every student has equitable access to food.

This incredible support has not only nourished the bodies of the students but has also uplifted their spirits, fostering a caring and inclusive environment within the school. The generosity of Lear Corporation has made a tangible difference in the lives of the students and staff, creating a sense of unity and support that will be remembered for years to come.

Tanya LaBrecque from Lear Corporation Whitby expressed “how heartwarming it is to positively impact Glen Street Public School.” She shared that “the gratitude from students and staff has been overwhelming, often bringing tears to their eyes.” The smiles and positive changes seen in the school are incredibly rewarding for the Lear team. Providing meals supports students' learning and well-being, and the personal connections many Lear staff have with the school make their efforts even more meaningful. LaBrecque emphasized that “the dedication and generosity of the Lear team, who donate their time and money, are crucial in creating a better environment for everyone.”

Looking ahead, Glen St. Public School is thrilled to announce that Lear Corporation Whitby has committed to continuing their support into the 2024/2025 school year. This ongoing partnership promises to further strengthen the bonds between the corporation and the school community, ensuring that the students at Glen St. Public School have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Thank you, Lear Corporation Whitby, for your unwavering generosity and for making a lasting difference in our community. Your support is a testament to the power of kindness and the impact it can have on the lives of many.

Photo: Left to right - Danya, Lorna, Emily, Steve, Tanya, Judy, Nancy, Alex, Michelle, Jaclyn, Danny

Stacey Lepine-Fisher

Executive Director, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

IDLF Named Charity of Choice by DDSB Trustees

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:00:00 GMT

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) proudly announces its selection as the esteemed Charity of Choice by the Durham District School Board (DDSB). The Board's Trustees, recognizing the profound impact and unwavering commitment of IDLF, have bestowed this honour in acknowledgment of the Foundation's dedicated service to all DDSB students.

"I am thrilled to witness The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation chosen as the charity of choice for the Durham District School Board. This impactful collaboration is set to dismantle financial barriers, paving the way for equitable opportunities that empower every student within the board to reach new heights in both academic and personal success. Together, we are fostering a future where every learner has the chance to thrive without hindrance." - Michelle Arseneault, Board Trustee

At the heart of Ignite Durham Learning Foundation's mission is the fervent pursuit of removing financial barriers, thereby fostering equitable opportunities that empower students within the Durham District School Board to achieve both academic and personal success.

"I am proud and deeply honoured that the Durham District School Board has selected Ignite Durham Learning Foundation as their charity of choice. This partnership underscores our collective commitment to breaking down financial barriers and fostering equitable opportunities for all students and families within the Durham community. This collaboration exemplifies the transformative impact we can achieve when we work hand in hand towards a common goal of creating a brighter future for our youth." - Neil Joshi, Chair of the IDLF Board

What sets IDLF apart is its exclusive focus on serving the students of the Durham Region. As the sole charity in the area with this distinct purpose, IDLF stands as a beacon of support and hope for the 80,000 students who attend DDSB schools daily.

The Foundation operates through several impactful funding pillars, each designed to enhance students' well-being and enrich their educational experience:

The Starfish Fund: Addressing student needs comprehensively, this fund provides resources such as clothing, school supplies, health items, and transportation support.
The S.N.A.C.K. Fund: Ensuring that no student goes hungry, this initiative focuses on providing food access to classrooms and kids, promoting a nourished learning environment.
The Make A Difference Fund: Bridging financial gaps, this fund offers subsidies to students facing economic challenges, enabling their participation in field trips, extracurricular activities, and school events alongside their peers.
The Think Outside of the Bell Fund: Offering financial support to students in need, this fund facilitates participation in specialized programs such as preschool success and afterschool recreation and arts initiatives.
The Future Fund: Paving the way for future success, this fund provides vital financial support to students pursuing post-secondary pathways.

With its comprehensive approach, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation stands as a steadfast ally for DDSB students, ensuring they have the resources and support they need during their time of need.

Join us in celebrating this momentous collaboration between IDLF and DDSB, as we continue to ignite learning and opportunity for the bright minds of Durham Region.

Sincerely,

Stacey Lepine-Fisher

Executive Director, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

Ignite Durham Learning Foundation Launches First Holiday Gift Guide

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Ignite Durham Learning Foundation Launches First Holiday Gift Guide

December 1, 2021

For immediate release

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) is proud to launch their first-ever Ignite Hope Holiday Gift Guide. The guide supports IDLF’s mandate to provide assistance to students and families in the Durham District School Board community experiencing poverty.

To meet the growing need, the IDLF has developed a holiday gift guide with a variety of gift giving options, including:

Warm winter clothing
One week of healthy lunches
A post-secondary application package, and more!

The guide also offers the option to make a monetary donation of your choosing, because every gift makes a difference.

Give the gift of hope this holiday season by making a charitable donation through our Ignite Hope Holiday Gift Guide. Please visit https://bit.ly/IgniteHopeHolidayGiftGuide to make your donation. With your support, we can ensure that every student has what they need to succeed.

Quotes

“The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation is working hard to reduce inequities and financial hardship for students and their families to support the success of all DDSB students, but we need your help. By giving a gift of hope this holiday season, we can create a brighter future for all children and youth in the DDSB.” Neil Joshi, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation Chair

“The well-being of students and staff is always top of mind, and especially during the holidays. Every student deserves to go to school with warm winter clothes, a full lunch, and the support needed to expand their learning. The reality is that some families do not have the means to start each school day with these essentials. The Ignite Hope Holiday Gift Guide presents the opportunity for our Durham Region community to come together in support of our neighbours in need, and ignite hope this holiday season.” Mohamed Karatella, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation Vice-Chair

“Creating equitable opportunities for all students is a core priority at the Durham District School Board. Thanks to the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation, we are able to better engage with students and their families so that they have better access to the resources that support success both inside and outside the classroom.” Norah Marsh, DDSB Director of Education & Ignite Durham Learning Foundation Director

“On behalf of the Durham District School Board of Trustees, we are delighted to see the work that the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation is doing to support students in the DDSB. No gift is too small, and we encourage anyone who can, to consider donating through the Ignite Hope Holiday Gift Guide. Let’s make the holidays brighter for our students and families in need.” Carolyn Morton, DDSB Chair & Ignite Durham Learning Foundation Director

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation is a charitable organization operating within the Durham District School Board. We exist to support students experiencing poverty, which can have a deep and lasting effect on a child’s physical, mental, emotional and academic development. We believe every student should have nutritious food at lunch and snacks, be dressed for the weather, and can find success in post-secondary education. More information can be found on the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation website www.IDLF.ca. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @IgniteDurhamLF and Instagram @ignitedurhamlf. Charitable Registration #: 74081 7919 RR0001.

-30-

Stacey Lepine-Fisher
Executive Director, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
905-666-6000
Stacey.lepinefisher@ddsb.ca

Operation Backpack Expands Across Durham Region Through Community School Supply Drive

Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:00 GMT

Durham Region, ON – Every child deserves to begin the school year with a backpack full of supplies and the confidence that comes with being prepared. But for more families than ever, back-to-school costs are a growing challenge, and some students are starting the year without the essentials.

This summer, six local organizations are working together through Operation Backpack to support children and youth heading back to school. The goal is simple: to ensure every student in Durham Region has what they need to feel prepared and confident on their first day of class.

The campaign includes a broad network of donation bins, supply drives, and community events. One highlight, the Stuff the Bus event in August, invites families, businesses, and supporters to help fill backpacks with school supplies for local students.

A First for Durham Region

This is the first time these organizations have coordinated their efforts in a unified way streamlining outreach, reducing duplicate asks, and increasing impact. By working together, the partners are making it easier for donors to give and ensuring more families get the support they need, when they need it most.

The partners include:

- Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

- Durham Community Health Centre

- Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

- Simcoe Hall Settlement House

- St. Andrews Community Food Bank

- United Way of Durham Region

Last year, over 6,000 backpacks were distributed across the Durham Region. This year, by working together, the partners hope to extend their reach and support even more children across the region.

What Partners Are Saying

“It’s not simply about supplies,” says Julie Van Hartingsveldt, Executive Director of Durham Children’s Aid Foundation. “It’s about giving kids the confidence to walk into school ready to learn. And when we coordinate our efforts, we can do that better—for more families.”

“Last year, we supported nearly 1,600 students, and we know the need is growing,” says Tiffany Kift, Executive Director of Simcoe Hall Settlement House. “Working in partnership means we can go further, reduce overlap, and make it easier for the public to support one coordinated effort. It’s about putting the needs of families first and finding ways to work smarter as a community.”

“We see the impact that access to basic supplies has on a student’s confidence and ability to learn,” says Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Executive Director of Ignite Durham Learning Foundation. “When families are struggling to meet basic needs, something like a full backpack can make all the difference. It’s exciting to be part of a region-wide effort that puts dignity first and ensures we’re reaching as many students as possible, together.”

“We’ve seen year after year how generous our community can be,” says Cindy Murray, CEO of United Way of Durham Region. “By coming together, we’re creating one clear, united path for people to give and for students to receive the support they deserve.”

“St. Andrew’s has always believed in walking alongside our neighbours,” says Emily Fern, Director of the St. Andrew’s Community Food Bank in Whitby. “Being part of this shared initiative lets us contribute in a way that lifts up families across our region with real, tangible support.”

How to Help

- Community members can get involved by:

- Dropping off school supplies at public donation bins (locations will be posted online)

- Donating online to help fund supplies

- Hosting a donation bin at your workplace, school, or place of worship

- Attending Stuff the Bus on:
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Staples in the Oshawa Centre Parking Lot

To donate, get involved, or view the full supply list, visit:
https://idlf.givecloud.co/operationbackpack
backpacks@unitedwaydr.com

Operation Backpack.
Local kids. Local impact. Let’s get them ready.

Photo:

From Right to Left, 1st Row: Jennifer Sims, Make A Difference Depot Lead, IDLF, Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Executive Director, IDLF, Emily Collins, Fundraising Development Coordinator, IDLF, Tiffany Kift, Executive Director, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, Emily Fern, Director, St. Andrew’s Community Food Bank, Laurian Bondswell, Community Program Coordinator, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, Dana Bynoe, Community Engagement Manager, United Way of Durham Region, Jessica Hanson, Community Investment Manager, United Way of Durham Region

From Right to Left, 2nd Row: Lio Travis, Junior Marketing & Communications Coordinator, IDLF, Himm Lai, Junior Fundraising Development Coordinator, IDLF

In first year, DDSB's new foundation helped 122 students with essentials from food to hearing aids

Tue, 24 May 2022 19:00:00 GMT

In first year, DDSB's new foundation helped 122 students with essentials from food to hearing aids

Principal says help from Ignite Durham Learning Foundation had 'tremendous' impact on students

Jillian Follert

DurhamRegion.com

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

The Durham District School Board’s new foundation helped 122 students in its first year as an official charity.

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation received charitable status in May 2021 with a goal of helping DDSB students and families impacted by poverty.

The foundation’s 2021 Annual Impact Report says $103,189 has been raised to date, which has been used to purchase essentials like glasses, hearing aids, transportation passes, school supplies, food, clothing and footwear.

“Our work has just started, we still consider ourselves to be in our infancy as a newly formed charitable organization,” said foundation chair Neil Joshi.

Schools can apply for funding without providing identifying information about the student or family in need, to maintain privacy.

“Schools are very often the point of contact for many families in need who may not know where else to turn for support,” said Waverly Public School principal Amanda Chapman, one of several DDSB principals who shared feedback for the 2021 Impact Report. She says foundation funding allowed families in need to access groceries.

Tracey Running, principal at O'Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute, said the school reached out for help with transportation, clothing and food and that “the positive impact on our students and families has been tremendous and has really made a huge difference in their lives.”

Trustees praised the foundation's work at the DDSB's May 16 board meeting.

“I think this is a remarkable thing that is happening,” said Whitby trustee Niki Lundquist. “I think it’s particularly remarkable because it’s very hard to build in a time of economic insecurity — and yet, it’s happening.”

Looking ahead, the foundation's board of directors will finalize a strategic plan for 2022-23 with a focus on fundraising.

Jillian Follert has been telling Durham's stories for more than 18 years. She currently writes about education, food and business for Metroland's community newspapers in Durham.

https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/10627042-in-first-year-ddsb-s-new-foundation-helped-122-students-with-essentials-from-food-to-hearing-aids/

Our website has moved...

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:45:00 GMT

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation website moved. Please visit us at: https://www.idlf.ca/

Ignite Durham Learning Foundation Featured in The Globe and Mail's Philanthropy in Canada special edition

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 16:30:00 GMT

We are honoured to be featured in The Globe and Mail’s Philanthropy in Canada special edition!

This national recognition shines a light on our ongoing mission to remove barriers for children and youth across Durham Region, whether it's one backpack, one meal, and one opportunity at a time.

At Ignite Durham Learning Foundation, we believe every student deserves the chance to succeed. This feature highlights the power of community, the importance of access, and the incredible impact made possible through the support of our donors, partners, and advocates.

We invite you to read the article and learn more about how we’re igniting potential and strengthening the future for students in our region.

Read the article in The Globe and Mail | PDF VERSION

We're on TV! Operation Backpack Featured on Global News

Fri, 30 May 2025 20:00:00 GMT

We’re proud to share that Global News recently featured Operation Backpack in a special segment highlighting our united efforts to support students across Durham Region.

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation, alongside our partners at

Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

Durham Community Health Centre

Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

Simcoe Hall Settlement House

St. Andrews Community Food Bank

United Way of Durham Region

are working to ensure every child starts school with the supplies and confidence they need to thrive.

Watch the Global News feature here:
Durham nonprofits join forces to launch ‘operation backpack’

Thank you to our community for making this impact possible.

Empowering Education: R.S McLaughlin receives generous donations from Amazon

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) is excited to share that R.S McLaughlin CVI, a school located in Oshawa, has received a significant boost to their technical and experiential education programs;courtesy of a generous donation from Amazon’s Ajax Fulfillment Center. This donation included a brand new welding machine, welding masks, 7 inch touch screen stereos, and an array of mixed tools.

This donation has already started to make an incredible impact in the classrooms at M.C.V.I, benefiting the experiential learning experiences of high school students.

In the first photo, students can be seen tuning their newly setup stereo system. The stereo, mounted on a wheeled cart for mobility, runs on batteries, which is great for outdoor gym sessions, and even events outside the classroom. This practical application not only allows students to enjoy music, but also provides a hands-on learning experience in electrical systems and wiring.

The second photo showcases a student utilizing a brand new welding helmet along with the newly donated welding machine. This donation is proving to be a valuable education tool and an excellent addition to the tech class. These hands-on practices allow students to gain practical experience in welding, and are crucial for building the skills needed in various careers.

“Thank you for all the donations, the helmet is being put to work as well as the welder, the stereo equipment went to auto class for the students to mock up a stereo system in their classroom to see how it all works as well as for them to learn about wiring and electrical” - Mr S. Duranczyk

Amazon Ajax’s donation is not just about providing equipment; it’s about empowering students with the tools they need to succeed. We are incredibly grateful to Amazon for their support and their generous donation.

If you would like to partner with us or learn how to get involved with the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation’s work please contact us ignite.foundation@ddsb.ca