In London Ontario, we know that 1 in 5 children and youth are living in poverty. We also know that lack of education is a major contributor to generational poverty. In order to break this cycle, young people need equal access to the kind of education, resources and support that can lead to a successful career in their future.
The Southdale Education Fund recognizes the power of education. We also recognize the added barriers that young people living in poverty face when trying to pursue college or university. Those living in poverty not only experience financial challenges, but often experience reduced capacity to achieve the same levels of success that other students might achieve. For example, many young people experiencing poverty have to work part-time jobs and provide care for family members, therefore reducing the amount of time that can be spent studying or engaging in extracurricular activities at school. As a result there are less grants and bursaries available to them.
The Southdale Education Fund seeks to address this gap in financial aid. We want to support and celebrate those students who are balancing life’s challenges of living in poverty, while still pursuing their goals. We want to shift our community’s perspective on what it means to achieve greatness while in high school. And we are looking for your support through our new campaign, The SEF 50 to do just that.
At the beginning of 2020 we set out to raise $25,000 to build a sustainable education fund that will provide a $1000 bursary each year to a deserving student in need. As we are sure you can imagine, the effects of COVID-19 created obstacles for our organization. However, we have launched into 2021 with renewed energy!
We are looking for 50 companies in our local community that are willing to make a one time donation of $500.00 to the Southdale Education Fund to make a difference in the lives of London youth and we would love for you to be a part of our journey. If you are interested in being a part of The SEF 50 please let us know!
Southdale Education Fund 