Surrey Schools anticipates greater need for student supplies ahead of 2025-26 school year
Ahead of the 2025-26 school year, Surrey Schools is seeking donations of student supplies such as backpacks, binders, pencil cases and hygiene items for the return to the classroom. The district is anticipating an increased need for student supplies this year as enrolment continues to grow at a rapid pace in Surrey and White Rock
With the new school year fast approaching, Surrey Schools is calling on donors, community partners and the public to help provide school supplies, backpacks and other essentials for students returning to the classroom.
This year, the district’s Advancement Office is anticipating a greater need for school supplies than previous years, increasing at the pace of student population growth, which continues to grow rapidly. Last September, district enrolment reached 83,259 students, up by more than 1,500 students in the 2023-24 school year.
“With the growing number of students in Surrey and White Rock, the need to ensure they all come to school equipped and ready to learn has grown as well,” said Meagan Bobowsky, Development Officer with Major Gifts & Endowments with the district.
“More than 100 schools have requested a total of 2,225 backpacks filled with new supplies – an increase of 800 from last year. On average, it costs $60 to purchase and fill each backpack.”
In addition to backpacks, some of the most in-demand items – including ones most people may not think of – are:
- binders with lined paper;
- pencil cases with supplies (pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, highlighters, markers, pencil crayons and glue sticks); and
- hygiene items (feminine hygiene items, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and body wash).
To support students, the district is partnering with a few organizations to run various drives for school supplies, food and monetary donations that will help families with the return to school in a few weeks.
- On Sunday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Guru Nanak Food Bank (15255 68th Ave.) is hosting its fourth annual school supply drive. School supplies and backpacks are encouraged, and all monetary donations will go toward the purchase of school supplies and backpacks. We are grateful for their continued support and look forward to seeing you there!
- On Saturday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Choices Market in South Surrey at Alder Crossing Mall (3248 King George Blvd.) is celebrating its 20th anniversary by hosting a community BBQ. As a strong supporter of local organizations that work toward building healthy, sustainable communities, Choices is partnering with Surrey Schools at their anniversary event to collect monetary donations to support Surrey Schools meal programs this coming academic year.
“Supporting students is believing in a better future,” said Jordan Delville-Pratt, Manager of Business Development. “In the same way it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to educate a student.
“It is with community support that schools and staff are able to provide students with every opportunity to help them learn successfully and navigate challenges with resiliency.”
How You Can Help
The district’s Advancement Office happily accepts donations throughout the year and welcomes contributions from individuals, companies, corporations, businesses and foundations.
If any community partners would like to support other initiatives with Surrey Schools to help prepare for the next school year, the district is currently seeking funding in the following areas:
- school-based needs: technology, playgrounds, student wellness, musical instruments;
- extracurricular programming: after school programs, pre-employment/career readiness, field trips, and land-based activities; and
- district initiatives: Racial Equity, Indigenous Learning, Safe Schools and scholarships.
Monetary donations can be made online or by emailing donations@surreyschools.ca, as well as mail, fax, phone and automatic bank debit. Surrey Schools is a registered Canadian Charity with the Canada Revenue Agency and every donation above $20 is eligible for a tax receipt.
For more information, please email donations@surreyschools.ca. To donate online or learn about other ways to contribute, visit the Ways to Give page.
