PEF: A Season of Warmth, Community, and Growing Impact 2026

A Season of Warmth, Community, and Growing Impact

submitted by the Pearson Educational Foundation Board of Directors

As winter arrived early this year, so too did an extraordinary wave of generosity and community spirit. The Pearson Educational Foundation is proud to celebrate another impactful season of the Rona Cupak Fund, which continues to ensure that students across the Lester B. Pearson School Board can stay warm, safe, and included throughout the coldest months of the year.

This year marked a significant milestone for the program. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Amelia and Lino Saputo Family Foundation, the campaign received a transformative $16,000 donation. Arriving on October 16, 2025, the timing could not have been better, as early snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures created an urgent need for winter outerwear across our communities.

With demand surging across the province, many stores struggled to keep snowsuits and boots in stock, making procurement more complex than in previous years. Despite these challenges, the Rona Cupak Fund rose to the occasion.

With nearly double the number of requests compared to last year, the Fund distributed approximately 210 snowsuits and 210 pairs of boots this winter. Thanks to the Saputo Foundation’s support, the program also expanded for the first time to include warm mittens (Hot Paws) and tuques—helping students stay warm, active, and included throughout the coldest months.

One of the most meaningful moments of the season came as a heartfelt surprise. Brandon Deslauriers, the eldest son of Rona Cupak, reached out to the Foundation after learning about the initiative created in his mother’s memory. Brandon generously gave his time to help box and prepare winter gear for schools and has expressed his wish to be involved again next year—an inspiring reminder of the living legacy behind this work.

Moments like these beautifully reflect the spirit of the Rona Cupak Fund: a legacy of care, advocacy, and community connection that continues to grow year after year.

The Pearson Educational Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to the Amelia and Lino Saputo Foundation, to school teams who work tirelessly to identify and support students in need, and to every donor who makes this work possible. Together, you are helping ensure that no child is left out of winter play, learning, or belonging.

If you, or someone you know, would like to support this vital program, donations can be made online through the Pearson Educational Foundation Online Donations page. Donors will receive an official tax receipt.

Because when a child is warm, they can focus on what truly matters—learning, growing, and being a kid.