Fraserview Learning Centre Seeks $15,000 to Combat Student Hunger

The Fraserview Learning Centre in Mission, British Columbia, is seeking $15,000 from the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund to address pressing needs among its students, including hunger, clothing, and basic necessities. The school serves approximately 150 students, many of whom face significant challenges, including poverty and homelessness.

Fraserview is an alternative school that caters to some of the most vulnerable youth in the community. According to Kirsten Castonguay, the school’s youth care worker, many students arrive without having eaten breakfast or lunch. “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 stated.

Despite these challenges, the alternative education system strives to provide a supportive environment for students. Castonguay noted that hunger is often one of the easier issues to address, thanks to funding initiatives like the Adopt-A-School campaign.

Funding Essential Services for Students

The funding from the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund has previously played a crucial role in supporting Fraserview’s initiatives. Last year, the Adopt-A-School program significantly aided the school in meeting basic needs, including food, clothing, and hygiene products. This financial assistance enabled Fraserview to establish a breakfast programme and launch a lunch initiative, which are vital for students who often come to school without meals.

Additionally, the funding helped restore shower and laundry facilities, allowing students to maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness. The school also established a thrift store where students can access essential clothing items like socks and T-shirts. In cases where donated clothing is insufficient, Castonguay has been able to purchase new coats and shoes for students in need.

Now, the school is aiming to expand its support by requesting grocery cards, which would help ensure students have food over weekends or during difficult financial periods. “We can’t offer that support without funding from this program,” Castonguay emphasized.

Real Stories of Impact

Students have voiced the significant impact that Fraserview’s support has had on their lives. Two students, who have chosen to remain anonymous, shared their experiences of receiving assistance from the school.

One 18-year-old female student mentioned, “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 highlighted the importance of the shower and laundry facilities, stating, “I know if I ever need anything they are always able to help me.”

A 16-year-old male student also expressed gratitude for the resources provided by the school, including food, clothing, and hygiene items. “The school takes care of me when I don’t have food,” he said. He described how the school has been instrumental during tough times, allowing him access to showers and clean clothes when he faced challenges.

The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund has received 164 requests from schools across British Columbia this year, amounting to a total of $1.5 million. Since its inception in 2011, the Adopt-A-School campaign has allocated over $15 million to numerous schools, addressing the needs of impoverished students.

The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund operates as a registered charity, with all donations directed towards supporting schools without any administrative costs deducted.

As the Fraserview Learning Centre continues to strive for a safe and supportive environment for its students, the need for funding remains critical. With community support, the school hopes to ensure that no student faces the dual challenges of hunger and lack of resources in their pursuit of education.