Adopt-A-School program supports range of needs for families in Surrey schools
Forsyth Road Elementary principal Kam Grewal said the Vancouver Sun Adopt-A-School program has supported her growing school for the past four years with meal programs, grocery gift cards and classroom supplies. (Photo by Jacob Zinn)
The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund Adopt-A-School campaign is again seeking donations to support the growing needs of families throughout the Lower Mainland, including at many schools in Surrey and White Rock.
The 13th annual campaign gathers donations for school meal programs, clothing, hygiene items, grocery gift cards, field trips, and extracurricular activities for students. This year, Surrey Schools submitted 57 applications to the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund – up from last year’s record 49 – an indication that needs are only continuing to grow among school communities.
“Cost of living continues to be a challenge for families as we still see inflation rates in grocery stores, clothing, any kind of basic needs for children,” said Laura Lukey, manager of Business Development. “With that, we’re seeing families who were once getting by now not being able to and needing that additional support.
“A majority of our applications are still focused on emergency funds because they cater to a wider range of students’ essential needs, allowing them to focus on learning, playing and envisioning a brighter future.”
Last year, the district applied for $383,000 in funding and received $397,000 in donations. This year’s total request has jumped substantially to $561,700 for the needs of students in Surrey and White Rock.
Lukey said many of the district’s programs and supports for students’ fundamental needs are funded by designated donors and donations to the Adopt-A-School program, as there are few grants available that are meant for basic and essential needs.
“The Vancouver Sun has so many school districts to support but we are very lucky to have created a strong relationship with them over the years,” she said. “This funding is extremely beneficial at a school level because it allows administration to respond as quickly as possible when needs arise, which makes students feel safe and cared for and more welcomed into their school community, and much more likely to attend school because they’re supported in such a number of ways.”
Forsyth Road Elementary principal Kam Grewal said the Adopt-A-School campaign has been “absolutely incredible” for her school, which is now entering its fourth year with the program. To date, donor funding has helped the growing school afford new classroom supplies, double its Backpack Buddies food security program and keep its breakfast and lunch programs running smoothly, even at full capacity.
“A lot of our families are newer to the country, they’re just starting out, but there are others who’ve been here for some time and their circumstances have changed and now they have needs too,” said Grewal. “Rents have gone up, the economy has taken a hit, so some of our families who benefit are families who’ve lived here for a long time.”
Donations continue to support gift cards and food hampers for students at home, but also provide much needed materials for students in school. Grewal said it’s hard to put into words how much these donations mean to her school community, but she is forever grateful to donors who “fill the gap” for students at her school and others throughout the district.
“Our students have the same opportunities, the same materials, the same access to hands-on learning and STEM resources that any child in the district would have, which they wouldn’t have without our donors,” she said. “There are always helpers out there – Mr. Rogers said in times of trouble, ‘Look for the helpers.’ There are always helpers, and for us, that’s what our donors are. Our kids know that there are always people out there to help you.”
To donate, visit the Vancouver Sun Adopt-A-School campaign website.
