Message from the Foundation's Chair
As Chair of the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation, I am honoured to reflect on a year defined by compassion, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Guided by our Catholic values and inspired by the DCDSB 2024-2025 spiritual theme, Living in Hope, our work focuses on supporting students and families across Durham so that every child can feel secure, included, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
At the heart of our mission is helping students thrive. With the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers and partners, the Foundation provides essential support such as food, shelter, heat, and electricity, allowing students to focus on learning and growing. Through this support, we help families experience stability and hope, bringing the spiritual theme to life in tangible ways.
In 2025, we strengthened our connections with the community. Our updated website now offers clear guidance on accessing support, simplified donation options, including corporate giving and better visibility of the Foundation’s impact. Outreach expanded through presentations to school leaders, engagement with parent communities, through our Catholic School Councils and via the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC). Also, we participated in school events like the Kindergarten Community Fair at All Saints Catholic Secondary School, where we welcomed families entering the school system and shared information about available supports.
Collaboration extended beyond our schools. We strengthened our partnership with the Archdiocese of Toronto by introducing a parish collection, launching in 2026, creating sustainable ways to support students and families across our learning community. Fundraising and engagement remained central, with initiatives such as the Fore the Kids Golf Classic, school campaigns including Giving Tuesday, and Walk for Hope, all reflecting our commitment to living in hope through acts of generosity and service.
At the governance level, the Board focused on leadership and planning for the future. We welcomed new members, supported continuity through elections, and continued building a strong governance framework. We also extend heartfelt thanks to Board members who concluded their terms in 2025, Glenda Fernandes, David Cluff, Brian Miettinen, Trustee Marisa Hall, and Trustee Monique Forster for their devotion and leadership.
The impact of our work is clear:
- Funding reached 37 schools, providing school-based support.
- 234 families received assistance with essential needs, easing pressures at home.
- 405 students accessed school trips, extracurricular activities, and enriched learning opportunities that foster inclusion and growth.
These numbers represent more than support; they reflect hope in action. Each student who feels included, each family who receives support, and every act of kindness demonstrates how our community lives out hope each day.
This work would not be possible without the commitment of our Board, volunteers, school staff, and community partners who chose to support the Foundation as their charity of choice. To all who contribute time, energy, and resources, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and continuing to build a compassionate community where every child has what they need to succeed. Together, we are living in hope, one student, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.
With gratitude and in service,
Bernadette Santiago
Chair, Durham Catholic Children's Foundation