Students helping students, from day one
Since March 2006, ACCESS has raised thousands of dollars to help hundreds of children in schools in the developing world by providing uniforms, shoes, school supplies, and more. Further projects have included fundraising to provide classroom supplies, stipends for teaching assistants, transportation, construction of classrooms, and school renovations.
The inspiration behind this organization came from a trip to the developing world in early 2006. Daniel Francavilla traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of a student Exposure Experience program. While on the trip students was exposed to the extreme poverty that the people of this beautiful country face. Visiting the isolated communities and experiencing the children surrounding him asking for simple things such as paper and pens was the trigger of the desire to help these children obtain a better life.
ACCESS started off as a collection at a Brampton church, after a presentation about the Dominican Republic exposure trip was shared with the congregation. Because of the generosity of the parishioners, the organization started off strong – and continues to grow.
Building a relationship with Grey Sisters in the Dominican Republic and establishing contacts in countries such as Columbia, Honduras and Jamaica has enabled Canada’s ACCESS to have a secure connection with people who are directly involved in these communities.
Presentations at local schools and events, engaging youth, raising funds, and spreading the word about poverty in the developing world are current ACCESS activities. Today ACCESS continues to take-on new projects, helping the people of these impoverished countries achieve a better quality of life.
Video: Reflecting on Our History
The organization is registered in Ontario as a Non-Profit Corporation under the legal name “ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc.“
ACCESS has been featured in The Brampton Guardian, The Catholic Register and on Rogers First Local News, OMNI Television, TheBramptonNews.com, Brampton.com and more.