Surrey School Program Supports Families Facing Hardships

At Surrey’s K.B. Woodward Elementary, the Adopt-A-School program is stepping up to support families struggling to meet basic needs. Principal Lianne McBride reports that last year, between 20 and 30 families sought assistance, facing challenges such as food insecurity and inadequate clothing for the winter months.

The program has provided crucial support, including access to a $2,500 emergency fund from the Vancouver Sun. This funding has been instrumental in helping families navigate tough times. However, with the cancellation of the provincial government’s $20 million family affordability fund just before the start of the school year in September, McBride is now relying heavily on the resources from the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund.

Despite the setback, McBride remains committed to assisting families in need. She recounts a recent incident where a mother, overwhelmed by her situation, came to her in tears, stating she had “no food until Friday.” In response, McBride quickly mobilized resources, using gift cards and staff support to gather groceries for the family. “Yes, Adopt-A-School money was used,” she confirmed, highlighting the program’s importance in addressing immediate needs.

The loss of the affordability fund has created additional pressure on McBride, who notes a steady influx of families seeking help. “I have regular streams of families wanting to come and see me for gift cards,” she explained. The Adopt-A-School initiative not only provides direct assistance but also encourages families to engage with school resources, fostering a sense of belonging.

Addressing Attendance and Basic Needs

K.B. Woodward Elementary is also part of the Attendance Matters program, which aims to secure a $100,000 grant to provide breakfast for nearly 1,000 students across more than 30 schools. Research indicates that children missing more than 10 percent of school days by Grade Four face significantly reduced graduation chances. Children from low-income families are particularly vulnerable to absenteeism, making programs like Attendance Matters essential.

McBride shares the story of a young mother who, despite numerous challenges, is determined to ensure her children receive an education. She had her first child at 15 and strives to create a better future for her kids. “Her story is definitely not unique,” McBride said. “The lack of resources has been challenging.” The mother, who has two children in early grades and a baby, often arrives at the school early each morning. McBride ensures they receive breakfast to start the day.

To help this mother navigate the distance to school, McBride utilized funds from Adopt-A-School to provide her with quality winter gear, including umbrellas and footwear. “I went and got fancy umbrellas, a big golf umbrella, so she could have it over the stroller,” McBride said. She also noted the importance of ensuring that the children have appropriate clothing for the seasons, emphasizing the challenges they face in accessing community resources.

“Access to resources can be hard, with strong guidelines serving as barriers,” McBride stated. The flexibility offered by the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund allows for direct assistance without administrative fees, ensuring that all donations are used to benefit the schools.

For those wishing to support the initiative, donations can be made directly online or via phone, with all contributions going to aid families in need.

1. ONLINE: Donate online at www.vansunkidsfund.ca
2. PHONE: Call 604-813-8673 to donate by credit card.

The efforts at K.B. Woodward Elementary exemplify the impact of community support and highlight the importance of programs like Adopt-A-School in ensuring that children can access education without the burden of financial hardship.