A Laval elementary school is trying to raise the money it needs - not for books or school supplies, but for a dog named Hope who is having a profound impact on the kids.
Crestview Elementary principal Aimee-Elizabeth Parsons said Hope came from the Asista Foundation which provides service dogs to help give comfort and companionship for students with behaviour disorders or sometimes just plain anxiety.
"We also cater to students with ASD mental health and social maladjustments so we have a lot of students with anxiety and other difficulties," said Parsons in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
"In terms of students who are having rough days, a snuggle with a dog can turn their day around."
Parsons, who teamed up with teacher Diana Antonacci to get Hope to the school, said the Labrador has been a big comfort.
"Through research, we've noticed that having a dog around the children brings out a calming spirit in the children. It's just really helpful," said Parsons.
But to keep Hope, they need to pay off the $15,000 balance for more training, insurance and vet fees. So far their GoFundMe campaign has raised over $3,000.
"(Children) are the future of our society and I think this is an initiative that can help that," said Parsons.
"We pay now or we pay later as a society and by paying, I don't just mean financial - I mean time and resources. So we need to do everything we can to get children safe and learning."