Fraserview Learning Centre Seeks Support to Combat Student Hunger

At the Fraserview Learning Centre in Mission, British Columbia, a pressing need for basic necessities like food and clothing has emerged among its 150 students. Many of these young individuals face significant challenges, including poverty and lack of proper attire, which can hinder their ability to learn effectively. The school, which caters to some of the most vulnerable students in the community, is seeking assistance through the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund’s Adopt-A-School campaign for $15,000 to help address these critical needs.

Fraserview serves a population that is often marginalized, with many students coming from backgrounds of government care, poverty, or homelessness. According to Kirsten Castonguay, a youth care worker at the school, “Our students often have multiple obstacles to overcome before they are able to sit down and learn. One of the most common we encounter is hunger.” She emphasized that while hunger is a significant issue, it is also one of the easiest challenges to address, thanks to the funding the school receives.

Despite the efforts made, Castonguay noted that the demand for assistance frequently exceeds what the school can provide. “Although we are a small school, many of our students are among the most at-risk in the city and often arrive without breakfast or lunch,” she stated. The funding from the Adopt-A-School campaign has been invaluable in helping to support these students through various initiatives, including a breakfast and lunch program.

Support and Impact of Adopt-A-School

Last year, the Adopt-A-School initiative significantly aided Fraserview in providing for its students’ basic needs, including food, clothing, and hygiene products. Castonguay explained, “They have come to rely on us as a place where they can find these items.” The program allowed the school to restore its shower and laundry facilities, enabling students to maintain their hygiene and care for their clothing.

The funding has also contributed to stocking a thrift store on campus, where students can access essential items such as socks, underwear, and T-shirts. For students in need of more specific clothing, like winter coats or shoes, the school has been able to purchase new items directly. Castonguay pointed out the ongoing need for grocery cards, which would help students and their families during times of food scarcity. “We can’t offer that support without funding from this program,” she remarked.

Two students shared their experiences regarding the assistance they received. One 18-year-old female student expressed gratitude for the clothing support, stating, “I usually get my clothes from here. Clothes have gotten so expensive. Kirsten was kind enough to let me go through some clothing for winter so I will be warm for sure.” She also utilizes the school’s shower and laundry facilities, underscoring the importance of access to these resources.

Another student, a 16-year-old male, highlighted the comprehensive support he receives from the school: “The school takes care of me when I don’t have food. I’m able to shower here and I get clothes when I need them.” He noted that the school provided him with food to take home during difficult times.

Broader Context of Support Needed

The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund has received 164 requests from schools across British Columbia this year, totaling $1.5 million in funding needed to feed and clothe impoverished children. Since the campaign’s inception in 2011, Adopt-A-School has distributed over $15 million to hundreds of schools, ensuring that students have access to food, clothing, and other essential items.

The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund operates as a registered charity, ensuring that no administration costs are deducted from donations made to the Adopt-A-School campaign. All contributions go directly to the schools in need, allowing for maximum impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

For those interested in supporting the initiative, donations can be made online or via phone. This collective effort aims to ensure that students at Fraserview Learning Centre and beyond receive the essential support needed to thrive in their educational journeys.