The Richmond resident who launched a bursary to help struggling, single Black moms has managed to raise three times the amount she had hoped for.
La Toya Barrington kicked off the bursary campaign last month to coincide with Black History Month, in the hope of creating a $2,000 bursary to go towards the recipient’s further education.
However, such was the popularity of the drive, Barrington – once herself in hard times as a single mom – will now be able to offer the bursary to three people.
“I’m a little shocked at how many people have come forward to help,” said Barrington.
“But it’s also very heartwarming that so many people in the community appear to care. I can’t thank them enough.”
Barrington - who the Richmond News has featured several times in the last year for bringing awareness to issues affecting the Black community - said, when times were hard for her as a single mom, her community had her back.
“I was once a young single mother of three children on welfare,” said Barrington on Facebook earlier this year.
“Trying to make ends meet, I started cleaning houses and running errands for family and friends.
“I know firsthand the challenges of trying to keep up with my financial responsibilities and trying to start a business at the same time.
“I have endured the struggles of having to go to food banks. I have witnessed the many eviction notice letters, and disconnection of utilities.”
One of the challenges, added Barrington – who now owns and operates Go2Girl Services – which she was not able to do, due to financial reasons, was to enroll in a class to upgrade her skills and knowledge.
In order to receive the bursary, the applicant must write a short essay about their educational goals, and how the bursary would help them succeed in their goals.
