TFSS Emergency Fund

Helping Students When They Need it Most

There are far too many students that, for one reason or another, simply cannot afford the necessities that more fortunate young people take for granted. For some parents, it’s a daily struggle to provide even basic needs like food and shelter for their children. For many secondary school students living at home is not a safe option, and that’s just reality.

The TFSS Emergency Fund is set up to provide children and youth with immediate support in emergency situations. It could be a warm coat, a pair of shoes with no holes, or any other essential items that will help a student in need get to school and participate to the best of their ability. Sadly, without the TFSS Emergency Fund, many young people will go without these things.

Any TDSB principal, teacher or professional support services staff member can apply for emergency funds up to a one-time only maximum of $500 per student (until the $500 max has been reached, and if the need exists, multiple applications may be submitted at a later date). Requests for help come from all corners of the city and are as varied as the children we are here to help. Though funds are limited, the amount of support that the TFSS Emergency Fund is able to provide often makes an enormous difference to the basic health, safety, and well-being of these students; it often enables them to stay in school.

If you’d like to help, please donate to the TFSS Emergency Fund. 

The Impact

A child who lost both parents was being cared for by his grandmother, a senior citizen on a fixed income. Emergency funding enabled this child to have winter clothing that her grandmother simply couldn’t afford. He now arrives at school warm and dry.

A high school student in danger had to leave home quickly. She was able to stay with a friend but had no food or money. With help from the Emergency Fund, she was able to cover the cost to replace her ID, apply for much needed support services and transition to a safe environment. She didn’t miss a single day of school.

How you can help 

When you donate to our Emergency Fund, you help make sure children in urgent situations get the necessities they need right away, before it’s too late. Before they stop attending school because they don’t have a winter coat, shoes that fit, or a school bag to carry their books. Give kids in our city the support they need, right when they need it most.

A charity you can trust   

TFSS is recognized by Charity Intelligence Canada as one of the Top 10 Impact Canadian Youth Charities and among the Top 100 Highest Rated Canadian Charities. These statuses are given to Canadian charities who demonstrate both strong financial transparency and the highest impact per dollar spent. That means you can trust that every dollar you give to the TFSS is used responsibly to achieve the greatest possible impact for kids across our city. 

Get support 

If you’re a TDSB staff member and you would like to request emergency funds for a student in urgent need, please complete our online application.