ON THE PEEL LEARNING FOUNDATION

MPP Anand’s eighteenth Members’ Statement was on the topic of “Peel Learning Foundation”, delivered on 2 May 2019.

See full transcript below:

“Once, I was approached by a principal, who asked me a question: “There are two brothers. One comes on Monday; the other one comes on Tuesday. They follow the pattern. Why?” The answer was, “They only had one winter suit.” One in five students in the region of Peel face barriers related to poverty. Coming to school hungry and lacking basic necessities, such as winter clothes and school supplies, prevent them from fully participating in the school and classroom.

Thankfully, there is an amazing organization that is able to help these students in need. It is an honour to rise today to spread the word about Peel Learning Foundation, a community-based, charitable, not-for-profit organization that raises funds to enable students within the Peel District School Board by providing resources to help overcome various barriers. Currently, it is focused on two main programs: the Student Emergency Needs Program and the Student Backpack Program. I was fortunate enough to be able to join the launch in February.

In my riding of Mississauga–Malton, we are working closely with the Peel Learning Foundation with our Fueling Healthy Minds program, which aims to connect community corporate donors and schools. The program aims to provide a nutritious breakfast to the students. In the early stages of this program, they’re only working with two schools. Hopefully, we aim to expand the program to all schools in Mississauga–Malton. Our end goal is to make the program as self-sustainable as possible.

I encourage every school board to observe and follow the steps of the Peel Learning Foundation for the success of their communities. Please visit peellearningfoundation.org to directly donate and learn more ways to get involved. I wish the Peel Learning Foundation prosperity and success so more students can develop and flourish.”