(Toronto, ON) August 1, 2024 – The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is grateful to the support and generosity of spirit demonstrated by Avondale Public School. Thanks to their recent fundraiser, the LHF will continue to produce education materials and exhibitions that speak to the rich histories and lives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, as well as the abuses and impacts Indigenous Peoples have faced as a result of their experiences in Residential/Day School, and within the Child Welfare System.

The Avondale Truth and Reconciliation Committee, a group of students and teachers from Avondale Public School in Willowdale, Ontario hosted their third annual marketplace featuring Indigenous businesses this past May. Their hope again this year was to promote and bring attention to local, Indigenous-owned and operated businesses. Another component of their marketplace is to have a fundraiser and select one charity to support. This year, they selected LHF and raised a total of $929.65.

“This year the students of our TRC chose to support the Legacy of Hope Foundation with great respect and appreciation. We are very happy to share with you as you continue the important work you are doing,” said Susann Gentilini, Avondale Truth and Reconciliation Committee Member.

“By having youth continuing to raise awareness and practice allyship they are helping foster Reconciliation and improving relationships for future generations. We are so grateful for this contribution,” said Teresa Edwards, LHF Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 24 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate Canadians about the history and existing impacts on generations of Indigenous Peoples caused by their experiences as children living through Residential and/ or Day School, or within the Child Welfare System. We do this to address ongoing discrimination and injustice to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation.

The LHF has more than 30 educational exhibitions that inform people about Indigenous history through art and other mediums that are free to borrow, and some exhibitions are available online. LHF also has curriculum for K-12 for teachers and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Research, Communication materials and Podcasts, Workshops and Training for businesses, all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, etc. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding to eliminate racism against Indigenous Peoples. We also offer Cultural Reclamation Workshops, share Best Practices about Language Revitalization and Food Sovereignty, etc. along with other tools to support hope and healing.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Teresa Edwards, B.A., LL.B / J.D.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
tedwards@legacyofhope.ca