Join us on Friday, February 27, 2026 at REVIVAL in Toronto for an evening of heartfelt laughs, tasty treats, and lively beats. Tickets are on sale now.
SchoolBOX makes a difference in Indigenous communities, one classroom at a time. Join us!
Since inception, SchoolBOX has transformed resources into tangible achievements that positively impact the landscape of education for local communities, thus improving lives. We began this work in Nicaragua and have since pivoted to serve Indigenous communities here in Canada. The results are a testament to the power of unity, commitment, and the unwavering belief in education.
SchoolBOX, a Canadian non-profit, is wholeheartedly committed to empowering Indigenous communities by creating an environment conducive to learning. Founded in 2006, we have constructed an impressive network of supporters, volunteers, and staff working in unison to make education accessible for all.
SchoolBOX is proud to partner with Indigenous Communities to identify and bring to life high impact projects. Imagine the difference these projects have made and continue to make to the children, families, and communities involved.
Here’s how you can get involved to support education empowerment in Indigenous communities.
Help us continue to create educational opportunities within Indigenous communities. Here’s how you can get involved.
SchoolBOX is honoured to partner with Grassy Narrows to create a dedicated Library & Cultural Learning Space—an inclusive hub that supports literacy, culture, and community connection. This new space will provide students with high-quality, diverse books, support teachers with subject-specific materials, reduce reliance on screen-based reading, and offer a welcoming area for drumming, storytelling, language revitalization, and cultural programming. By bringing together literacy and Anishinabe knowledge, this project will strengthen learning outcomes and cultural pride for children and youth.
Your support can help make this vision possible. Donations will directly contribute to building and furnishing the space, supplying new books, and ensuring educators and students have the tools they need. By giving today, you are helping create a vibrant community hub where children can learn, grow, and stay connected to their culture for generations to come.
Your contribution can change lives. Together, let’s make education accessible for children in Indigenous communities across Canada.
Melanie Francis
Community and Education Engagement Coordinator
Aanii Boozhoo! Niimi’iwe Shkode Kwe, Dancing Fire Woman is my spirit name. Migizi Dodem. (Eagle Clan). I am Ojibway and Algonquin from Timiskaming First Nation, residing on Mnidoo Mnising, Manitoulin Island. A proud Anishinaabe Kweand parent of 2 adult children, Nathaniel & Aysia.
I have always had a deep passion for working alongside and advocating for children and families, and have devoted over 35 years to working in the early year sector where I have made a significant impact in various roles from day camps, childcare programs, and supporting children with special needs, developing and implementing healthy living programs for children and families along the way.
I eventually transitioned into teaching adults with a focus on early childhood education, where I emphasize the importance of identity and overall well-being in children, including the family unit. My work reflects the deep connection I foster within communities, with spirituality, and with our Indigenous culture and traditions, always approaching each experience with humility and a genuine desire to grow and learn.
I am committed to giving back and reminding us of the vital role we play in shaping future generations. With kindness, compassion, and enthusiasm, driven by the belief that the work we all do to contribute to the lives of children and families truly matters, and that each positive interaction we have makes a difference!
Harvey Griggs
Engineer, Entrepreneur
Harvey Griggs has enjoyed a remarkable career as an engineer and entrepreneur. In 2008 Harvey came to Nicaragua to assist with the build of SchoolBOX’s third school. He was deeply impressed with the kindness, the generosity, the spirit and the commitment to education demonstrated by the Nicaraguans. He has been an energetic supporter of SchoolBOX ever since.
Jim David
Founder, Trumpet Capital Corp.
Jim has been a vital supporter of SchoolBOX since the beginning. Jim travelled to Nicaragua in early 2008 to help construct one of our first schools and has been actively involved ever since. Jim is a commercial mortgage advisor and founder of Trumpet Capital Corp in Calgary, Alberta. He is passionate about yoga, and helping children in Nicaragua.
Tom Affleck
SchoolBOX Founder
Tom Affleck has lived and worked in Guatemala, Peru and Nicaragua. It was an unexpected encounter in Nicaragua, however, that sparked the SchoolBOX dream. In 2006 he gave two girls notebooks and pencils. One of the girls’ father said to her “now that you have a notebook and pencil you can go to school this year”. Tom saw his work building SchoolBOX as an opportunity to live out his faith and to break the bonds of poverty for thousands of children.
Jennette Affleck
Retired Teacher, co-founder of SchoolBOX
Jennette has been involved with early childhood education for her entire professional career. Jennette has taught in Boston, Toronto, the Ottawa Valley, and Monteverde, Costa Rica. Jennette was SchoolBOX’s longest serving Board member, has participated in 7+ school builds in Nicaragua, and was an integral part of our organization since its infancy.
Dina Bell-Laroche
Executive Coach, Sport Law & Strategy Group
Dina has been involved with SchoolBOX since 2012. In 2013, she led a team of youth to Nicaragua to participate in a school build and returned to Canada committed to making a difference. Dina’s experience in facilitation and strategic communications has been an asset to SchoolBOX. Dina believes that education really opens up opportunities for students in Nicaragua and strives to use her skills to create change.
Shannon is passionate about unlocking human potential through meaningful education experiences and global community connections. Professionally, she is a marketing executive with 25 years of cross-industry experience in accelerating positive impact, innovation, and growth through the teams and organizations she serves. Shannon joined the board in 2023. She is honored to work with the SchoolBOX team to help make education possible and to further empower children, youth, families, and communities to live their best lives.
Stephanie Potter
Master Integral Coach, PhD
A longtime supporter of SchoolBOX activities, Stephanie, her husband, and youngest daughter joined a trip to Nicaragua in 2018 where they fell in love with the country and the communities they visited. After seeing the impact of SchoolBOX’s work first-hand, Stephanie was inspired to join the Board and did so in February 2020. Stephanie is humbled by the opportunity to lend her knowledge and skills to help make education – and therefore community and social change – possible through the work of SchoolBOX.
Jim Sale
Technology Executive
Jim is a technology executive who spent his career with various product development and consulting organizations. Working with global organizations in the Life Sciences industry, Jim provides leadership on strategic programs involving technology, data, and advanced analytics to optimize organizational effectiveness. He is a long-time supporter of SchoolBOX and had the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua in 2016 to help build the Gilberto Siles school. Jim joined the Board of Directors in 2021 with the goal of applying his energy, and experience to help deliver impactful programs that improve the lives and future opportunities for kids in underserved communities.
Natalie Gunn, Chair
Co-Owner, Oxford Learning Centre Kanata
Natalie was born with a passion for education, helping people and travel. Looking for a new volunteer project, she joined the Equator Coffee Roasters team and visited Nicaragua for a classroom build in November 2016 and proudly joined the Board of Directors in late 2017. Natalie is co-owner of the Oxford Learning Centre Kanata and committed to supporting children to reach their full potential.
Margie Graff
Retired Teacher
After 32 years of teaching with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Margie retired and began volunteering with SchoolBOX’s Treaty 3 library partnerships. She was honoured to be entrusted with the ordering of Indigenous texts and resources for communities and schools, as well as travelling to two communities to lend a hand in setting up their library spaces. In 2022, Margie joined the board and continues to build on these wonderful experiences to ensure that all learners have the resources and opportunities to realize their dreams.
Jo Danaher
Financial Manager
finance@schoolbox.ca
Jo Danaher is our cheerful financial wizard. She keeps all of our SchoolBOX finances in order, and makes sure that we are meeting the highest standards for a charitable organization. Jo enjoys seeing the amazing power that the SchoolBOX community of volunteers and donors has to impact the education of so many children.
Rochelle Bragg
Social Media and Communications Manager
rochelle@schoolbox.ca
Rochelle is mixed Anishi but has much of her far jowin (Qj Cree) and Swiss-German, currently living in Treaty 19, ly living in Treaty 9, specifically the isolated community of Muskrat Dam First Nation. Rochelle is committed to speaking out on the Indigenous realities in Canada and doing her part to help this next generation of Indigenous youth pursue their educational and personal goals.
