Georges Vanier Elementary students raise funds for Surrey Food Bank

The Grade 6 classes of Jennie Chang & Satbir Pattar (bottom centre) with their donation to the Surrey Food Bank. (Image: Surrey Schools)A group of students at Georges Vanier Elementary recently had a lesson in philanthropy after raising nearly $700 for the Surrey Food Bank.

Two Grade 6 classes, led by teachers Jennie Chang and Satbir Pattar, took part in the Junior Achievement Program, which tasks students with creating a product, a business plan and then selling their creations at a school entrepreneurship fair.

The students raised $662.95 and donated their proceeds to the Surrey Food Bank in late May.

“The food bank was thrilled by the donation,” said Chang. “They came to the school and students were able to present them with an oversized cheque, which was equally as exciting for the students.”

Chang said the fundraising idea came about after she and Pattar were looking for ways to add an additional component to the entrepreneurship fair.

“Every year around Christmas, Georges Vanier runs a food drive where students donate non-perishables to go to the food bank,” she said. “This year, we decided that we would try to incorporate that cause into the Junior Achievement Program, and it just took off.”

Students broke into teams and made products such as crocheted keychains, jellyfish handbags, popsicle stick catapults and homemade slime to sell to students from other classes.

Chang said once other students became aware the proceeds were benefiting the Surrey Food Bank, many were happy to purchase products knowing it was for a good cause.

“They were all really into it,” said Chang, “It was like something out of a bustling night market.”One of several student booths from the Georges Vanier's entrepreneur fair, which saw proceeds go to the Surrey Food Bank. (Image: Surrey Schools)

While just 90 per cent of the proceeds from the fair were supposed to benefit the food bank, many of the students opted to donate 100 per cent.One of several student booths from the Georges Vanier's entrepreneur fair, which saw proceeds go to the Surrey Food Bank. (Image: Surrey Schools)

“Once the students realized what the funds would mean for food bank, allowing them to purchase all kinds of food to benefit families in need, they wanted to do more,” Chang said.

Chang said the fundraising initiative will continue next and some of the younger students have already expressed interest and are thinking what they will come up with for the fair.

Great job, Georges Vanier Elementary!