The Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI) thanks all of those who donated or helped to amplify our campaign to provide additional portable HEPA filtration units in learning spaces in the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB). Together, we have helped to add extra layers of protection for students and staff.

Started in response to considerable community interest in fundraising for portable HEPA filtration units, this effort provided funding for approximately 17 portable HEPA filtration units. WRDSB staff will procure and distribute the units in an equitable manner based on individual classroom requirements. In addition, the Ministry of Education has announced they will deploy an additional 40,000 HEPA filter units to the province's school boards in the coming months.

This builds on the WRDSB’s foundation of COVID-19 safety preparation. All 303 full-day Kindergarten classrooms and all 93 Alternative Continuum of Education (ACE) classrooms have been equipped with a portable HEPA filtration unit since Fall 2021. Additionally, the WRDSB deployed another 668 units to other classrooms and school spaces based on requirements.

At this time, donations to the WEFI HEPA Filter Fund are now closed, but you can still help make a difference. Donate to WEFI.