More Surrey elementary schools in need of financial assistance for playground fundraising

When it comes to child development, exploring on the playground is as important as learning in the classroom, but many elementary schools across the district are seeking help to afford costly playground replacements as PACs struggle to fundraise enough to meet student needs.

As a growing number of school playgrounds are in need of replacement, the district’s Office of Advancement has seen an increase in recent years of schools requesting financial assistance for playgrounds. While the office supports schools and PACs in establishing fundraising plans and ideas, securing funding for all of the costs of projects in need can be challenging, with modern playground replacements costing around $200,000 on average.

“When playgrounds are outdated, unsafe or inaccessible, students lose vital opportunities to grow and connect,” said Vanessa Seco, Manager of Major Gifts & Endowments. “School playgrounds are not just places for recreation, they are spaces where children build confidence, learn to solve problems and form meaningful relationships.

“That is why fundraising for playgrounds matters – inclusive playgrounds ensure that every child, regardless of background or ability, can participate fully and feel a sense of belonging.”

Play is an integral and fundamental component of learning, and playgrounds support a vital role in providing play options for children before, during and after school, in addition to serving as community hubs for families. While the Ministry of Education and Child Care funds playground for new schools, PACs are largely on their own if they need to expand or replace their playground.

Last year, Hyland Elementary was in desperate need of a new playground, with its previous structure at the end of its lifespan and slated for removal that summer. While the Hyland PAC worked tirelessly to raise $65,000, it was the generosity of an anonymous ‘angel donor’ who contributed $150,000 that pushed them to their fundraising goal and led to the recent opening of the school’s brand new playground.

“The grand opening of the playground was one of the many memorable days in my life,” said the angel donor. “Best of all were the kids coming up to me with shy smiles, to say ‘thank you.’ My whole family loved the letters from the students, many signed with ‘love.’ We marvelled at the names and realized the hard work of the Hyland Elementary community.”

Current Schools in Need

Dozens of elementary school PACs in Surrey and White Rock are fundraising for playgrounds and playground equipment, with varying degrees of urgency:

• Chimney Hill Elementary and Ray Shepherd Elementary are each in need of full playground replacements.
• Georges Vanier Elementary is removing a slide and replacing it with a bigger structure, valued at $85,000.
• Dogwood Elementary is also raising money for a full structure for the school’s play area.
• Forsyth Road Elementary and Bridgeview Elementary are in need of a new slide and climber, respectively.

Replacing playgrounds is further complicated by rising material costs, land preparation expenses and extensive competing needs for school funds being raised for field trips or extra computer equipment.

How You Can Help

The district’s Office of Advancement happily accepts donations to playgrounds for all schools in the district and welcomes contributions from individuals, companies, corporations, businesses and foundations.

Donations can be made online or by emailing donations@surreyschools.ca. Surrey Schools is a registered Canadian Charity with the Canada Revenue Agency and every donation above $20 is eligible for a tax receipt.

“Every child deserves a safe and inspiring place to climb, create, imagine, laugh and build memories that will last a lifetime,” said Seco.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Seco at 604-595-6074 or email donations@surreyschools.ca. To donate online or learn about other ways to contribute, visit the Ways to Give page.