A generous donation of technology from the Surrey Fire Fighters' Charitable Society is helping to ensure that Surrey Schools students in need have the chance to succeed in their schoolwork.
The Surrey Fire Fighters' Charitable Society, in partnership with the Spence Foundation and the Surrey Mayor Evening of Giving, has raised funds to provide 190 refurbished laptops to the district's Welcome Centre to support newcomer and ELL (English Language Learner) students and their families.
The society recently donated 190 refurbished laptops to the district's Welcome Centre, which supports newcomer and ELL (English Language Learner) students and their families in transitioning to a new school system and way of life.
"The society was able to make this important contribution through efforts in partnership with the Spence Foundation and the Surrey Mayor Evening of Giving, who raise funds for youth initiatives," said Saverio Lattanzio, President of the Surrey Fire Fighters' Charitable Society. "This is one avenue for which we use the funds."
Part of the Welcome Centre's work involves equipping immigrant and refugee students new to Canada with school supplies. While it is always a goal to provide technology access as these tools are critical for modern education, computers, phones and other equipment are often out of reach for many newcomer families.
"This is going to help my family a lot in learning English," said newcomer parent Hussein Shate through a translator, who recently arrived from Somalia and has five children attending schools in Surrey. "My oldest daughter will use it for her education and when she goes to school. Now she won't feel left out."
"This computer will be used by my daughter for school, to learn about English, school applications, and society," said Mohammad Sadeq Hotaki, another parent at the Welcome Centre. "Thank you very much for your help."
The Welcome Centre nurtures an inclusive environment where all newcomer and ELL families can access client-centered transition supports that foster a sense of belonging so students can thrive in their schools and communities.
Community partnerships and donations go a long way in building equity and understanding across the district, and initiatives that help kids are foundational in bridging equity gaps so that students and their families have the chance to build community and feel at home in Canada.
The district's Office of Advancement actively works with long-term and new community partners, businesses and individuals to provide key equipment for students and schools such as technology, musical instruments, playgrounds and sports equipment so that students across the district can all learn on the same platforms and with the same advantages.
Thank you to the Surrey Fire Fighters' Charitable Society, the Spence Foundation, and the Mayor's Evening of Giving for making this opportunity possible for newcomers in Surrey!
If you are interested in learning more about other opportunities to donate to schools and students in Surrey, including through our district endowments that provide lasting legacy, please contact Vanessa Seco, manager of major gifts and endowments, at seco_v@surreyschools.ca or 604-595-6074
