Seeds of Hope

Seeds of Hope helps low-income families with planning for your child’s education. We can help you get access to Canadian Educational grants designed to secure your child’s future.

Seeds of Hope

Planting Seeds of Hope for a brighter educational future

The SSVP’s Seeds of Hope project helps families in need plan their children’s education. Since its inception in 2012, the SSVP has helped 979 children access up to $1.9 million of educational hope.  

The SSVP Member informs their neighbours of the opportunity, explains the steps to access it and walks alongside them to access programs like:   

  • The Canada Learning Bond (CLB): the Government of Canada adds funds to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for children from low-income families born after January 1, 2004. These funds of up to $2,000 per child help parents pay for their children’s post-secondary education.  No parental contributions are needed.   
  • The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG): additional funds deposited into the child’s RESP. Depending on the family’s income and contributions to the RESP, a child can receive up to $7,200 for their post-secondary studies.  

In addition, many SSVP conferences contribute to the RESP account, which triggers the CESG.  The child also receives a framed congratulatory certificate saying, “Congratulations We Believe in you!” 

Nationally, only half of all eligible children receive these funds 

These savings programs can serve as a real catalyst. Their mere existence greatly increases the odds that a child will continue past high school. Studies show that simply opening a RESP account attracts additional contributions. As the savings grow, so does a student’s confidence in pursuing post-secondary education. They open the door to scholarships, bursaries, and other forms of financial aid.  

Ultimately, higher education improves employability, earnings, and financial stability for a lifetime. 

If you would like to support this program and provide a hopeful future to a child in financial need, please contact us or DONATE.    

Every child deserves hope for a brighter future.

Testimonials

”Today, as I witness my son embark on his educational journey, I am filled with profound gratitude. Half of his tuition is covered, thanks to the RESP fund we built together. This wouldn’t have been possible without the kindness, support, and dedication of (members of the) Saint Vincent de Paul.”

”I am immensely grateful to the volunteers at the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul for the profound impact they’ve had on my son’s education journey. They offered unwavering encouragement and support.”

Seeds of Hope

”Through John’s gentle yet persuasive guidance, I was encouraged to open an RESP for Michael. I am very grateful for this. As Michael is as well. He’s already planning a career as an engineer for VIA Rail. He’s also planning my retirement “on board the lunch coach, so I can still make his lunch”. John also took the time to call and check the status on said account. During his phone calls he was always full of kind encouraging words. She expresses her gratitude for the impact this has made on her family.”