Adopt-A-School program supports families as needs grow in Surrey
Bear Creek Elementary principal Diane Bradley said there is a range of growing needs of families in her school community, including food security, housing and school costs. (Photo by Jacob Zinn)
The 12th annual Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund Adopt-A-School campaign is once again gathering donations for families in need, at a time when the need is the greatest among many of our school communities.
With the rising cost of living, ballooning inflation and an increasingly expensive housing market, Surrey Schools submitted 49 applications to the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund this year – more than ever before. The district relies on the generosity of many donors, both those who contribute through Adopt-A-School and those who donate directly to schools and the district, to support the needs of our families.
“We are so grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund and the ability to use these funds to meet emerging needs that our students may face,” said Vanessa Seco, acting manager of the district’s Business Development department. “Schools are feeling pressure and want to assist their students when these scenarios arise.
“The stories we hear can be heartbreaking and we are extremely appreciative to have these funds from the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund, which allow schools to act quickly to fill the gaps and provide what families need as those requirements arise.”
While Bear Creek Elementary has previously received breakfast support from the program, for the first time this year, the school applied for emergency funds as its families are now experiencing a larger range of needs – from food insecurity to lack of housing to the cost of field trips, extracurricular activities and community centre memberships.
“It’s a community that has changed in terms of its needs,” said principal Diane Bradley. “They don’t have a lot of access to after-school programs like swimming or skating. Some parents have trouble supporting students in doing field trips and school activities – the families worry about it, and we don’t want them to worry.”
For about 40 students, the school’s breakfast program provides a healthy start to the day for those who may otherwise go hungry, with the added benefit of connection with staff and peers. Bradley said having the routine and structure of the breakfast program at school has led to increased attendance and engagement in class, improved mental health and the development of meaningful friendships for her students.
“It’s really important that students feel connected and know that school is a safe place,” she said. “They spend as much time at school as they do at home, so if we can provide the supports and resources to build connection, we can help them create a foundation of safety and security.”
In addition to meal programs and basic needs, the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund contributes tremendous financial support for after-school programs such as BLAST and Clubhouse 36. Donors can give through Adopt-A-School to specific schools or target funds to the district for distribution, both of which make a significant difference in the lives of our students.
“We’re very excited at the possibility of supporting our families with the donations,” said Bradley. “We want our students and their families to feel connected here, any way that we can support them.”
To donate, visit the Vancouver Sun Adopt-A-School campaign website.
In late August, the B.C government provided $7.3 million in one-time funding to Surrey Schools to support families and make the return to school more affordable. This one-time funding is being utilized by the district to support family costs for field trips, school events and other enhanced school-based experiences, as well as for school supplies, food for home, and clothing for an increasing number of students in need who are not already supported by donors. This provincial funding is also being used to support the district’s lunch program, including expanding menu options, covering staff costs and providing food hampers to families during the winter and spring breaks. Families are encouraged to reach out to their school principal if support is needed.
