Surrey School Initiative Supports Families in Need Amid Funding Cuts

At K.B. Woodward Elementary in Surrey, British Columbia, a vital program known as Adopt-A-School is stepping up to support families struggling with basic needs. Principal Lianne McBride has become a lifeline for approximately 20 to 30 families who face difficulties in providing food and clothing for their children, particularly during the winter months.

In previous years, families could seek assistance from both the provincial government’s family affordability fund and a $2,500 emergency fund linked to The Vancouver Sun’s Adopt-A-School campaign. However, the landscape changed dramatically when the provincial government announced the cancellation of its $20 million affordability fund just before the school year commenced in September. Despite this setback, McBride continues to leverage the resources provided by The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund, which oversees the Adopt-A-School initiative, in her mission to help families in crisis.

One poignant example of this support involved a mother who, after dropping her children off at school, arrived in tears expressing her dire situation. “I have no food until Friday, I have nothing,” she told McBride. Responding quickly, McBride gathered staff and gift cards to assist the mother, demonstrating the immediate impact of the Adopt-A-School funds.

The loss of the government affordability fund has been significant. McBride noted, “I have regular streams of families wanting to come and see me for gift cards.” The funds not only provide essential items but also foster a sense of belonging and community among families who might otherwise feel isolated.

Addressing Attendance Challenges

K.B. Woodward Elementary is part of the district’s Attendance Matters program, which aims to ensure that students do not fall behind due to frequent absences. This initiative is seeking a $100,000 grant from Adopt-A-School to provide breakfast for nearly 1,000 students across more than 30 schools. Research indicates that children who miss over 10 percent of school days by Grade Four face dramatically reduced graduation rates, a reality that disproportionately affects children from low-income backgrounds.

The Attendance Matters program encourages students with attendance issues to arrive early for breakfast and tutoring, addressing both their nutritional needs and academic challenges. McBride highlighted the story of one young mother, who is determined to provide a better future for her children despite facing numerous obstacles.

This mother, who had her first child at a young age, often arrives at school with her two young children and a baby in tow. “We open up between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., and she is often here with all her kids,” McBride explained. The school offers breakfast to all students, ensuring they start their day on a full stomach.

In addition to food, McBride has also provided this mother with essential items like umbrellas and winter jackets to help her navigate the challenges of commuting to school with her children in adverse weather. “You might think umbrellas are trivial, but I got her a big golf umbrella so she could shield her stroller,” McBride said. The need for proper footwear and winter clothing is another pressing issue, with McBride using Adopt-A-School funds to make these purchases.

Community Support and Future Goals

While the young mother is making strides in accessing community resources, McBride noted that these services can be difficult to navigate due to strict eligibility criteria. “What The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund offers is less of a barrier, allowing us to provide assistance directly to families,” she stated. Importantly, 100 percent of donations to Adopt-A-School go directly to supporting schools, with no administrative fees deducted.

The school is actively seeking a $3,000 grant this year to continue supporting families facing emergencies. With the challenges presented by the loss of government funding, initiatives like Adopt-A-School become increasingly crucial in ensuring that children can attend school every day, regardless of their circumstances.

As McBride tirelessly works to assist families, the impact of these programs is evident in the lives of students and their parents alike. The ongoing commitment to providing essential resources underscores the importance of community support in fostering educational success and well-being. For those interested in contributing, donations can be made online at www.vansunkidsfund.ca or by contacting the fund directly.