The Vancouver Sun Children's Fund is donating $426,075 to schools in Surrey through its Adopt-A-School program, providing much-needed support for students in need across the district.
This year, the program has provided grants to dozens of local schools, marking the 10th year of a longstanding, valuable relationship between Surrey Schools and the charity.
"We're so grateful for our partnership with them, it's been incredible to see the growth over the years," said Laura Ristock, a Development Officer with the district's Business Development department. "It's been a really strong partnership to be able to provide schools with the ability to go out and purchase things for their students in need."
What started as eight applications for Surrey schools in the first year has grown to 44 this year, said Ristock, ranging from requests for meal programs to after-school activities for students. Most requests are to help bolster school emergency funds.
Emergency funds are vital for schools in low-income areas that may not be able to secure large donations or funding on their own. The Adopt-A-School donations not only afford clothing and food for students, but give schools the flexibility to pay for other needs such as transit passes that ensure students have the access and incentive to continue their learning.
"If a student is in need of a warm coat during the winter months, food, or is interested in karate lessons but their family can't afford the extracurricular cost, the school can use the emergency funds to support in quick fashion," said Ristock. "The schools have the autonomy to decide which needs are of highest importance and where funding should go. They don't have to wait to be told how to spend it, they can quickly access it and respond to students' needs."
Vancouver Sun Children's Fund board member Shelley Fralic said it was shocking to learn the level of need at schools when the Adopt-A-School program began, but the outpouring of support from readers over the last decade has led to some amazing stories of how their donations have helped so many.
"The stories we receive from the schools make me cry," she said. "Teachers are telling us it is the first time their students have received a warm coat. That kind of feedback is important to us because it shows how we make a difference."
Ristock agreed, saying it's been heartwarming to have the reliability of the Adopt-A-School program and its donors over the years, who have given so much to Surrey students.
"They're able to see what they've done for these students and the impact they've made on the community, and they want to keep on giving," she said. "We really want to thank the Vancouver Sun Children's Fund and the donors that keep coming back and helping year after year."
