Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Lois Boucher Foundation’s annual back-to-school initiative, which supports children in need
across Aylmer, is facing a significant funding shortfall ahead of the September 2025 school year.
Approximately 350 children benefit from the program each year, receiving essential school
supplies that help them start the academic year on solid footing.

This year marks the first time the initiative has experienced major budget cuts. In previous
years, Centraide Outaouais provided over half the financial support for the program. Organizers
have confirmed that this funding has been significantly reduced, prompting a community-wide
appeal for donations.

The estimated shortfall ranges between $5,000 – $7,000, depending on the quantity of supplies
ultimately required to meet the needs of participating families. Items most in demand include
backpacks, painting aprons, lunch boxes, and running shoes, in addition to other standard
school supplies.

As the current school year ends, community members are encouraged to donate leftover or
gently used school items, including backpacks, to help offset the funding gap. Supplies can be
dropped off at two locations: the Deschênes Community Centre at 55 Chemin Vanier, where
community coordinator Ibrahim Diallo can provide official tax receipts, and the Aylmer Bulletin
office in the Galeries Aylmer.

The initiative is being coordinated by Kathleen Byrne on behalf of the Lois Boucher Foundation,
in partnership with Aylmer’s network of community centres. Additional information is available by
contacting Byrne at 613-292-7279 or Ibrahim Diallo at the Deschênes Community Centre at
819-684-7999.

Photo: The Lois Boucher Foundation is calling on the Aylmer community to donate backpacks
and other school supplies to support local children after major funding cuts left the 2025 back-
to-school initiative facing a shortfall. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo|