Community Grants

2021 SurreyCares Annual Community Grants

GENERAL COMMUNITY - TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $14,200

Atira Women's Resource Society: Amount: $1,500
Project Title: Waaban Women’s Outreach Van.
Atira Women’s Resource Society supports the street women, who need significant help, to keep themselves and their children safe. Their “Waaban Women’s Outreach Van” program will provide extra support to transwomen, Two-spirit, and transfeminine individuals. In 2020, more than 85% of the women supported by Atira Women’s Resource Society were Indigenous.

Food Bank On Wheels: Amount: $2,000
Project Title: Home Delivered Food Hampers.
The program “Home Delivered Food Hampers” will help the people who require home delivery due to their illness and disability circumstances. The service is provided to all regardless of race, sexual orientation, and gender.
Junior Achievement of British Columbia: Amount: $1,000
Project Title: World of Choice (WOC.)
This program will support the public school youth from grades 4 to 12 irrespective of their socio-economic background, precisely vulnerable and at-risk groups, by providing help with financial, mental health, and wellness.
LOVE (Leave Out Violence) Organization: Amount: $2,500
Project Title: Social Media Youth Leaders Empowered: Mentorship Edition SMYLE: M.
LOVE Organization provides support to a diverse group of youth. Through this program, LOVE Organization will specifically support the most discriminated child. Teaching Advocacy will help LOVE Organization share with youth their rights and how to communicate concerns and issues.
Mamas for Mamas: Amount: $1,200
Project Title: At-risk Program.
Mamas for Mamas will provide fresh food to all the people who do not access it, irrespective of any specific community, because they understand that sufficient nutrition is a fundamental human right.

Moving Forward Family Services: Amount: $1,500
Project Title: Free Counselling for Highly Vulnerable Clients.
This program will provide services to marginalized and underserved communities in Surrey in 12 different languages to help with mental illness, with counselors from diverse backgrounds. The funding will be helpful for Moving Forward Family Services in terms of providing almost all of the services free of cost.
Paws for Hope Animal Foundation: Amount: $1,500
Project Title: Better Together Surrey.
Through the “Better Together Surrey” program, Paws for Hope Animal Foundation will provide services to all the vulnerable pet guardians to keep and care for their pets.
Quest Outreach Society: Amount: $2,000
Project Title: Plate Half Full Program – Surrey.
This program will provide healthy food services to all the clients in local community resources programs, including newcomers, refugees, seniors, youth, the disabled, Indigenous, un or underemployed, single-parent families, those struggling with addiction, etc.

Surrey Christmas Bureau: Amount: $1,000
Project Title: Surrey Christmas Bureau Online Registration Program.
Every year, the Surrey Christmas Bureau provides funds to families who are not financially stable to keep the glow on the face of their children during Christmas time, just like other families. This funding will help them to continue to generate that happiness among the families.

SPECIAL NEEDS - TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $33,781

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia: Amount: $5,000
Project Title: Equipment Loan Program.
Through their “Equipment Loan Program”, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia will provide equipment to all the registered ALS patients in Surrey irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, and preference.

Langley Pos-Abilities Society: Amount: $5,000
Project Title: Push for Accessibility Program.
The goal of this program is to create an interactive online map that shows users the current accessibility to various locations in their community (e.g. businesses, parks, parking, full-service gas stations, etc.). Users can submit accessibility reports of their experiences visiting the speciﬁed facility. This creates a tool that people challenged by disabilities and their families can use to be prepared for the various accessibility challenges they may encounter. This program will speciﬁcally beneﬁt the community of Surrey and its residents by lowering accessibility barriers for those challenged by disabilities.

Pacific Community Resources Society: Amount: $3,781
Project Title: Honour Secondary Summer Cooking School.
The project will provide free cooking classes to the Students of Honour Secondary School. Earned credits through this program will get counted towards participants’ high school diplomas. Funding will help to accomplish its goal of keeping the youth away from criminal activities.

Semiamhoo House Society - A partner in UNITI: Amount: $5,000
Project Title: UNITI - Culinary Arts Program.
According to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26th), “Education is the basic human right, and it should be provided free in elementary and some fundamental stages to everyone. So, the Semiahmoo House Society, through their “UNITI - Culinary Arts Program,” will try to increase the involvement of people with disabilities in the community by providing them access to education and some practical skills training.

Spinal Cord Injury BC: Amount: $5,000
Project Title: Peer Support and Information Services (Surrey.)
Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) helps people with spinal cord injuries (SCI), and related physical disabilities adjust, adapt, and thrive in their new lives, whether dealing with a recent injury or struggling with the ongoing challenges of living and aging with a physical disability. Through their two core programs (Peer Support and Information Services), SCI BC provides answers, social connections, educational opportunities, and unique life experiences for people living with spinal cord injury.

Tetra Society of North America: Amount: $5,000
Project Title: Customized Devices for People With Disabilities That Remove Barriers to Daily Living.
Through the “Customized Devices for People With Disabilities That Remove Barriers to Daily Living Program”, Tetra Society of North America will provide unique devices and equipment to the 2 to 92 age range and customized to each individual’s preferences. This organization serves people of all cultures, backgrounds, religions, and orientations.

Zajac Ranch for Children: Amount: $5,000
Project Title: Family Camp 2021.
The program will provide recreational services for children with disabilities and their family members with proper COVID safety precautions and physical distancing.

YOUTH - TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $7,077.60

Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland: Amount: $2,000
Project Title: Big Sisters Mentoring.
“Big Sisters Mentoring” provides youth with a caring adult they can turn to for advice, guidance, and friendship. This weekly meetup is so much more than just a social engagement. Matches discuss the tough stuff – how to make friends, overcome fears, deal with peer pressure and bullying, approach school and teacher relationships, start a ﬁrst job, diﬃculties at home, and the many questions that children and youth are faced with these days.

Canadian Mental Health Assoc. Vancouver-Fraser: Amount: $3,000
Project Title: “Here4Peers.”
This project aims to reduce the stigma of mental illness, increase mental health literacy and create a supportive environment for youth to access help for mental health concerns. This project is being executed in 2021/22, in partnership with Surrey School District.

Stigma-Free- Society: Amount: $2,077.60
Project Title: Student Mental Health Toolkit School Program.
Through this program, Stigma-Free Society will support all students in overcoming the prevailing stereotypes and biases of their mental illnesses, physical and developmental disabilities.

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS - TOTAL GRANT GRANTS AWARDED: $1,331.30

Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI): Amount: $500
Granted to: Boys and Girls Club
Thanks to a special donation, a group of youth involved with the local Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) and a local post-secondary institution unanimously recommended a grant of $500 to the Boys and Girls Club from the YPI funds. The team determined that the grant should be for youth projects for those aged 9-18 years and all genders. The YPI also wanted the projects to demonstrate long-term impact and have not received funding from SurreyCares this year. As our annual youth grants were 15x oversubscribed, this grant means one more organization was able to receive funding.

Seventy Times Seven Times Fund: Amount: $831.30
Granted to: Phoenix Society's, The Nest project
The Nest project symbolizes a place where individuals can be supported through connection, empowerment and stability. Located at the corner of Newton's 80th Avenue and King George Boulevard, the building will have 40 residences. The program will include 16 supportive recovery units for people who have completed a 90-day treatment program, and the remaining 24 will be for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The program's supports will focus on equipping residents in building their skills and becoming more independent.

2022 SurreyCares Annual Community Grants

This year we were pleased to be able to distribute $520,102.61 to our designated charity fund recipients and community grant recipients.

This year a total of $72,721.04 were distributed in community grants.

Community Grant Recipients were:

GENERAL COMMUNITY - TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $18,380.94

Pacific Immigrant Resources Society: Amount: $2,880.94
Project Title: PIRS Trauma-Informed Community English Class for Women in Surrey.
This program is designed to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee women who possess low-level English communication skills, are new to Canada and are impoverished, along with facing participation barriers such as lack of childcare.

Paws for Hope Animal Foundation: Amount: $4,000
Project Title: No Pet Left Behind.
The program supports families in crisis who need temporary care for their pets while the families access medical care, in-patient treatment programs, shelters, or social housing that cannot accept pets.

Shelter Movers Vancouver: Amount: $4,000
Project Title: Shelter Movers Surrey Expansion Project: Capacity
Shelter Movers Vancouver works with survivors of abuse to address barriers for victims about leaving their violent partners. This program provides moving, security, and storage services to people across the Lower Mainland at no cost. This project aims to meet the growing demand and prevent any disruption of service in Surrey.

Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society: Amount: $5,000
Project Title: The Dosti Project (Mental Health Peer Support Groups)
This project's main objectives are to provide peer support for improved mental health, social support to build friendships, and educational and learning opportunities through guest speakers and workshops.

Surrey Christmas Bureau Society: Amount: $2,500
Project Title: Surrey Christmas Bureau Online Registration.
This project implements an online registration portal that eliminates face-to-face contact and safeguards information about clients, volunteers and staff. This system provides the security necessary for families as they upload private family information, including financial details to qualify for assistance.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION - TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $45,500.00

Canadian Disability Resources Society: Amount: $10,000
Project Title: Abilityconnect Program.
The program aims to help seniors and people with disabilities by connecting them to critical resources and programs. Through this project, the organization will be able to employ seniors and individuals with disabilities as well as provide valuable medical equipment and PPE resources to Seniors and the disabled members of the Surrey community.

Diabetes Canada: Amount: $5,000
Project Title: D-Camps: Helping children with type 1 diabetes.
This project aims to help children live fulfilling lives despite diabetes. Diabetes Canada will run a specialized diabetes summer camp, or ‘D-Camp’ this summer.

Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society: Amount: $10,000
Project Title: Fall Math & Reading Programs.
The project aims to help individuals with Down Syndrome develop and maintain their knowledge in comprehension, reading, math, and monetary skills. This program is designed to focus on the individualized needs of each student and strengthen their confidence to learn in a normal classroom setting.

Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Society: Amount: $7,500
Project Title: Mental Health Services for Youth with Special Needs
This program aims to offer mental health and counselling services to youth with special needs prioritizing marginalized, vulnerable and/or newcomer youth (new immigrants and refugees). The program will offer ten free counselling sessions (each one hour in length) to families that have youth with special needs, as well as connect them to cultural and community resources best suited to their needs and providing them with basic supplies.

UNITI partner Semiahmoo House Society: Amount: $10,000
Project Title: Employment-Based Learning Labs (EBLL).
This program aims to provide employment opportunities and support to people with developmental disabilities by helping them reach out and connect virtually and in person in the Surrey community.

Zajac Ranch for Children: Amount: $3,000
Project Title: 2022 Summer Camp
This summer camp program will enable children with disabilities or serious medical conditions in the British Columbia region to attend a fully inclusive summer camp. Most of these children have been excluded from mainstream camp experiences.

YOUTH - TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $8,840.10

Alexandra Neighbourhood House - Youth Space: Amount: $3,000
Project Title: Where They’re At: Youth Outreach Project.
This project aims to support youth from ages 10 to 24 and their families living in the South Surrey and White Rock communities that are facing significant challenges such as social isolation, disconnection from their families, unstable housing, and mental health challenges such as low mood, high anxiety, and substance misuse.

PLEA: Amount: $3,000
Project Title: Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Others (TCO²)
The TCO2 project provides workshops that are unique, interactive and empowering. These workshops are designed and delivered by young adults who use monologues, role-plays and other engaging activities to interact with children aged 10-18.

Rotary Club of Surrey Foundation: Amount: $2,840.10
Project Title: Starfish Back Pack.
This project helps famished children coming to school on Mondays while having little to eat each weekend. Food security is a fundamental right of our society; however, too many kids suffer from the lack of food security.

OTHER GRANTS:

SurreyCares Community Foundation, in partnership with donors, made grants to the City of Surrey for Keery Park enhancements, to support the resurfacing of the South Surrey Athletic Track (Race2Resurface), and Surrey School District for support for youth and families with disabilities, and to post-secondary institutions including; Simon Fraser University, the University of Waterloo, University of Toronto, and Vancouver Community College to support scholarships and bursaries to graduating secondary school students pursuing post-secondary education through four of the SurreyCares's scholarship and bursary funds.

We were also pleased to support YPI programming through which grants were issued to the Phoenix Society and S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

2023 SurreyCares Annual Community Grants

GENERAL COMMUNITY - TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $6,314.48

ANHBC, Alexandra Neighbourhood House
- About the organization – Alex House has been providing free programs to reduce isolation and build the community’s capacity to support their most vulnerable members of seniors, adults, families, children and youth since 1916. Rooted in social justice values, they facilitate social connectedness and target our programs to the whole community.
- About the program – CREATING INCLUSION IN SOUTH SURREY – The Alex House Integrated Youth and Family Services will utilize the Youth Space to enhance community safety among youth and their peers by using theatre arts and performance (such as improv, spoken word, dance, and fitness) as a way to share anti-violence education, support youth/young people’s strengths, foster community-building with positive relationships and patterns of interaction with mentors and pro-social peers. The program will operate three days/week and seeks to engage 60 children and 30 young people; where the programs honour and values lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ2S+, people with disabilities, and racialized youth to empower and encourage them to use their voices by promoting a dynamic atmosphere within which issues of equity, access and service are openly and regularly explored by staff and participants after school in the Youth Space and in the community.

Canadian Mental Health Association, V&F Branch - $2,589.18
- About the organization – CMHA, Vancouver-Fraser contributes to improving the communities' long-term health and well-being by providing community-based mental health education, programs, and support services to people of all ages, including children, youth, adults, and seniors.
- About the program – Here4Peers Surrey– Here4Peers is a program focused on mental health literacy designed and delivered by youth for youth in schools. The program aims to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness, increase mental health literacy, and establish a supportive atmosphere where young people can seek help for their mental health concerns. The primary goal is to enhance the capacity of young people to maintain and develop good mental health through education and early intervention.

Community First Foundation - $2,589.18
- About the organization – Community First Foundation’s mission is to ensure food security for every vulnerable child in British Columbia. Many children rely heavily on school meal programs but, over the weekend, may not eat at all until school starts again on Monday. This is ‘the weekend hunger gap.’
- Backpack Buddies addresses this crisis by filling backpacks every Friday for students in need with enough meals and snacks to last the weekend, plus a little extra.
- About the program – Backpack Buddies Surrey – This program contributes to Surrey and its residents by supporting the community’s highest-need children whose families have low incomes or live in poverty. Growing children require regularly available, nutritious food but the ever-increasing cost of rent, household expenses, and childcare has created an affordability crisis for families in Surrey. Basic needs like food, shelter, and warmth are in direct competition with one another. Families living in poverty are often forced to make brutal trade-offs like foregoing weekly dinners to pay the rent.

Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Society - $5,000.00
- About the organization – The Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Society (MFBCS) is a registered charitable organization that aims to reduce food insecurity across the Lower Mainland and encourages self-reliance and autonomy amongst our clients. To execute this mission, MFBCS hosts several capacity-building public programs and support services, all following the organization’s guiding principles of respect, collaboration, confidentiality, integrity, and humility. Finally, as most of their clients are refugees fleeing difficult circumstances, cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practices comprise a large part of the training we provide our volunteers and staff.
- About the program – Mental Health Services for Youth with Mental Health– The Mental Health Services for Youth with Special Needs Program aims to offer mental health and counselling services to youth with special needs--prioritizing marginalized, vulnerable and/or newcomers (new immigrants and refugees) youth. Specifically, the program will be offering ten free counselling sessions (each one hour in length) to families that have youth with special needs as well as connecting them to cultural and community resources best suited to their needs and providing them with basic supplies, such as adult diapers, as required.

Raincity Housing and Support Society - $4,735.00
- About the organization – Raincity’s mission is to advance social equity by building on the strengths of their community and of each person. They create, implement, and manage housing and support programs that sustain relationships, strengthen communities, and make change for people experiencing homelessness, mental health, trauma, and substance use issues throughout BC’s lower mainland.
- About the program – Peer-Led Community Connection Day – This project will help create a community and address the need for support services for folks struggling with homelessness and marginalization in the Newton area. This event will allow folks directly impacted by these issues to take leadership in creating a safe and supportive community by building community connections, presentations, participating in meetings, and preparation/planning for the event.

Shelter Movers Vancouver - $5,000.00
- About the organization – Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charity that provides moving and storage services at no cost to survivors and children fleeing abuse. The Vancouver chapter was established by a local group of dedicated volunteers in 2018. In collaboration with local businesses and community agencies, we help families transition to a life free of violence. They strive for communities where survivors are empowered to move on from abuse with dignity and independence. They are the only service of this kind in Surrey.
- About the program – Shelter Movers Surrey: Capacity Building – The demand for their services has increased significantly during the past three years, especially within the city of Surrey. Last year, they organized 277 moves in the Lower Mainland, including 58 in Surrey. Being the second largest region in which our clients reside, the current number of completed moves does not meet the current demand of our regional referral agencies. With this expansion, they can provide more support, specifically to Surrey residents experiencing abuse.

Stroke Recovery Association of BC dba After Stroke BC - $2,487.00
- About the organization – After Stroke BC is a nonprofit charity organization that provides services, education, and advocacy to those living with stroke throughout every stage of recovery to ensure that every stroke survivor moves through recovery with hope and support to lead a full and rewarding life.
- About the program – Surrey After Stroke Program and Services – Expansion and enrichment of programming to purchase materials and offer resources specifically geared to assist stroke survivors to re-learn and practice skills to improve their physical and emotional function. Specialized offerings increase awareness and accessibility of local resources and activities to support and maximize healthy outcomes for stroke survivors, positively influencing the social determinants of the community's health.

Surrey Christmas Bureau - $2,500.00
- About the organization – The mission of the Surrey Christmas Bureau is to provide low-income families in Surrey the means to enjoy a joyful Christmas by providing food and new toys.
- About the program – Surrey Christmas Bureau Online Registration Program – By offering a dual registration stream, both in person and online, the Bureau will be able to increase its capacity to serve the most vulnerable families in our community and ensure children living in poverty can enjoy a happy, fulfilling holiday season on equal footing with their peers.

Surrey-North Delta Meals on Wheels - $2,989.18
- About the organization – North Delta Meals on Wheel’s mission is to prepare and deliver nutritious meals to anyone who, because of age, physical or mental handicap or illness, cannot prepare adequate meals for themselves. At SNDMOW, they believe in the availability of nutritious meals for all people, regardless of their financial security or insecurities. Their clients are some of the most vulnerable members of our community - seniors, disabled, immuno-compromised and the isolated - many of whom have very little to no family/friends.
- About the program – Meal Subsidy – The Meal Subsidy Program will allow them to offer an affordable option for those living with financial insecurities - on pensions and/or disability and other low incomes. Their goal is to help as many residents as possible who cannot afford meals or cannot prepare adequate meals for themselves. This program will assist their most vulnerable and financially insecure residents to receive the nutritious meals they need and provide a friendly informal check-in.

Tetra Society of North America - $5,000.00
- About the organization – Tetra builds innovative solutions for people with physical disabilities to overcome environmental barriers, providing greater independence, quality of life, and inclusion.
- About the program – Removing Barriers to Independent Living Through customized devices – The Tetra Society makes customized devices for people with disabilities that address their individual needs. People contact the organization when they face a barrier in their day-to-day lives that a customized device can remove. Their technically skilled volunteers make these devices based on input from the individual with the disability. The devices are made at no cost to the client. Last year the society made over 30 customized devices for those in Surrey, Delta, and Langley areas, and we look to continue to help more people with disabilities through our customized devices to remove barriers to their daily living.

The Realistic Success Recovery Society - $2,500.00
- About the organization – The mission of the Realistic Success Recovery Society is to provide the highest quality, ethical, long-term recovery program for residents who wish to recover and heal from their addictions. REAL Recovery for Men
- About the program – Renovating for Realistic Recovery – Renovating for Realistic Recovery is a project that addresses the need to maintain and improve existing housing stock that supports good quality, bed-based, long-term recovery facilities.
  - This project has three goals:
    - 1. Maintaining the Trilogy Houses at an excellent standard of care is essential for operating quality recovery facilities.
    - 2. Improving residents’ self-worth as they help with some of the maintenance tasks.
    - 3. Providing safe, well-maintained livable homes that our residents are proud of improves their recovery outcomes.

UNITI (Legal name, Semiahmoo House Society) - $10,000.00
- About the organization – Semiahmoo House Society exists so that: People with disabilities live self-directed lives in the community at a justiﬁable cost and are valued community members. Semiahmoo House Society believes that people who have disabilities should be valued and included fully in their communities, with the same rights and responsibilities as all people living in Canada.
- About the program – Workforce Integration; Vocational Services for People with Developmental Disabilities Project – The Workforce Integration, Vocational Services for People with Developmental Disabilities Project will assist people with developmental disabilities in Surrey with equitable access to the workforce. This project aims to ensure and secure employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in Surrey.

Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society - $1,500.00
- About the organization – The Volunteer Cancer Driver Society (VCDS) is an all-volunteer, community-funded registered Canadian charity with a Mission to serve cancer patients in need with compassionate and personalized transportation to care with community funding. To do this, society is singularly focused on providing free, safe, reliable, compassionate transportation and peace of mind for Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley cancer patients who have no viable means of getting to their essential treatment.
- About the program – Surrey Cancer Patient Transportation Program – Their goal is to ensure that All Surrey cancer patients in need of transportation get to and from their treatments safely and on time. Cancer patients call their dedicated phone line or use our website to provide contact and appointment details. Patients are frequently tired and have compromised immune systems. The emotional toll of dealing with many problems and arrangements can be monumental. Public transit is stressful, impractical, frequently unavailable and, for most patients, seldom a viable option. With the help of your Foundation, we will be there for these patients.

2020 SurreyCares Annual Community Grants

This year we were pleased to be able to distribute $44,509 in community grants.

Community Grant Recipients were:

SMART AND CARING SURREY COMMUNITY FUND TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $11,266.00

Assist List Association - $1,000.00 to continue community development, educational activities, and website improvements needed to enhance the quality of life for Surrey individuals with disabilities, seniors, and community members.
Atira Women’s Resource Society - $1,566.00 for necessities for the homeless women in Surrey, including food hygiene products, underwear, socks, blankets, umbrellas, etc.
Muslim Food Bank and Community Services - $2,000.00 to provide emergency pre-packaged food hampers, which comprise sugar, rice, flour, cooking oil, canned food, and items that promote healthier eating habits.
Quest Outreach Society - $1,566.00 used to purchase sanitizer, cleaning supplies, gloves, and masks to support the health and safety of their clients and vital staff in Surrey.
Realistic Success Recovery Society - $1,000.00 to continue running outreach access to counselling needed. So that vulnerable adults in Surrey can recover and heal.
Shelter Movers Vancouver - $1,000.00 to provide free moving and storage services to survivors fleeing domestic violence.
Peace Arch Hospice - $1567.00 to launch the Dying to Learn more series of free public educational series.
Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society - $1,566.00 provides a $0.48/km vehicle allowance to volunteer drivers for cancer patients to attend critical appointments.

SPECIAL NEEDS TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $29,000

Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland -$ 2,000.00 towards the continuation of life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people through their Study Buddy program in Surrey School District.
British Columbia Guide Dog Services - $ 1,500.00 for training supplies, kennel supplies, or veterinary care for Surrey Guide Dogs and Autism Service Dogs in the program.
Canuck Place - $ 2,500.00 supporting the Enhanced Community Care program covering the cost of medication and pharmacy supplies used by their physicians and nurse practitioners in the homes of children and families.
Centre for Child Development - $2,000.00 used towards Hydrotherapy costs, including repair and maintenance, pool supplies, wheelchairs/slings, utilities, and specialized recreation services.
Cerebral Palsy Association - $ 2,500.00 to help maintain Dance Without Limits. Encouraging member's physical development and develop healthy lifestyles.
Horizon Church - $ 2,000.00 supporting a Night to Shine; this free event gives people with disabilities and their families an opportunity to connect.
Lookout Housing Society - $ 2,000.00 towards funding the gap towards Clorox and Electrostatic Sprayer machine to support shelter guests and tenants during this pandemic.
Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society - $ 2,000.00 to provide specialized teachers resource tools and materials to teach individuals born with Down syndrome and Autism improving their level of learning.
Royal Canadian Theatre - $ 3,500.00 used to make live theatre accessible for all, including those with intellectual or other disabilities both on stage as members of their team and in the audience.
Semiahmoo House Society - $ 3,000.00 towards purchasing an existing user-friendly web template, virtual platform, and computer equipment. Connecting persons with disabilities in Surrey with community resources.
Spinal Cord Injury BC - $2,500.00 to help cover program costs like venue rentals, refreshments, etc., supporting their modest volunteer honorariums as they rely on them to support those living with disabilities in Surrey.
Superchefs Cookery Society - $ 2,000.00 to provide online cooking camps, ingredients, cooking manuals, and physical activity exercises to families at risk in the Surrey School District.
Zajac Ranch for Children - $1,500.00 to provide children regardless of ability while receiving expert medical care to attend summer camp sessions in 2020.

YOUTH GRANT TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $4,243.00

Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver - $2,121.50 providing bins filled with sports equipment, arts and craft supplies, games, and books to participating elementary schools in Surrey, and nutritious snacks for the matches.
Backpack Buddies - $2,121.50 used for Youth at risk in the Surrey School District with food for all meals for an entire weekend: two breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, plus snacks and fresh fruit.

2019 SurreyCares Annual Community Grants

This year we were pleased to be able to distribute $253,000.00 to our fundholders of which $32,000.00 was distributed in community grants.

Community Grant Recipients were:

General Community

Volunteer Cancer Driver Society

Special Needs

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia (ALS)

The Centre for Child Development

Horizon Church

Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS)

Superchefs Cookery Society

Kindred Farm Sanctuary (formerly SALI)

Youth Initiatives

Dan's Legacy

VAYA Youth Arts Society

For more information on the projects of these organizations, see our article here.

We are grateful to MLA Stephanie Cadieux for her acknowledgement of the work of grant recipients and SurreyCares Community Foundation in the B.C. legislature. Please take a few minutes to hear what she had to say.

Photos from 2019

You can see these photos and more on Flickr

Many thanks to our Sustaining Sponsors, without whom we could not hold this inspiring annual event.

2017 SurreyCares Annual Community Grants

In 2017, we were pleased to distribute $195,011.26
to our fundholders of which $25,738.00 was available for community grants.

Community Grant Recipients were:

General Community

A Rocha

Community First Foundation

Cwenengitel Aboriginal Society

Semiahmoo Animal League

Sources Community Resources Society

Special Needs

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of BC (ALS)

Cerebral Palsy Association of BC

Down Syndrome Research Foundation

Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society

Tetra Society of North America

Zajac Ranch

Youth

Dan’s Legacy

Learning Disability Association, Fraser

SOS Children's Village BC

Canada 150

Muslim Food Bank

Semiahmoo Self Advocate Society

Arts Club Theatre Company

Photos from 2017

You can also see our photos on Flickr

2016 SurreyCares Annual Community Grants

In 2016, we were pleased to distribute $195,011.26 to our fundholders of which $25,738.00 was available for community grants.

Community Grant Recipients were:

General Community

BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support

Lookout Emergency Aid Society

Pacific Post-Partum Support Society

Special Needs

Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia

Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society

Semiahmoo House Society

Special Olympics of BC

Tetra Society of North America

Zajac Ranch Society

Youth

Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC

The Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon

Community First Foundation

Guildford Park Community Group Society

Junior Achievement of British Columbia

2015 SurreyCares Annual Community Grants

In 2015, we were pleased to distribute $169,792.08 to our fundholders of which $25,600.11 was available for community grants.

Community Grant Recipients were:

General Community

Evergreen

Pacific Post Partum Support Society

Seniors Come Share Society

Surrey Christmas Bureau

Special Needs

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of BC (ALS)

Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia

Semiahmoo House Society

Tetra Society of North America

Zajac Ranch Society

Youth

Children of the Street Society

Pacific Community Resources Society (Surrey Children & Youth Committee)

SALI (Society of Semiahmoo Animal League)

School District 36 – Surrey

2024 SurreyCares Community Grants

“We look forward to continuing our support - always with the goal of uplifting the people of Surrey who need it most!”

-Ana Ortolano, Grants Administrator

Funding Priorities

Through our Community Grants, we support projects in three categories: general community, special needs and youth. Our grants are inclusive, as we try to capture the needs within the community and help as many nonprofits as possible.

General Community

We encourage nonprofits with a wide range of projects to apply through this funding stream. We aim to support nonprofits large and small, as we uplift some of Surrey's most vulnerable. Many of the projects that fall into this category are having the greatest impact on community needs. These may include Arts, Culture, Education & Literacy, Heritage, Newcomers, Climate Change and Seniors. No project is too small and we encourage small nonprofits in Surrey to submit an application.

Disabilities & Special Needs

As an inclusive organization, projects funded through the Disabilities & Special Needs stream are intended to support employment programs for adults living with disabilities. We are grateful to the SRS Vocational Services Society for their donation to this endowment fund.

Youth Initiatives

As the future of Surrey, youth play a vital role in our community. It's of paramount importance that we support initiatives uplifting them, their ideas and the innovative things they're doing to make Surrey and vibrant place to live. Projects funded through this stream are either youth-led or benefit youth. We're grateful to Coast Capital, Surrey Youth and CIBC Wood Gundy for establishing this fund through their generous donation.

2024 Grant Recipients

This year a total of $50,167.00 was distributed among 10 Non-Profit Organizations!

In total, 63 Non-Profit Organizations submitted and requested funding through our Community Grants. Thank you to all who applied, and congratulations to all the recipients for 2024.

Avalon Recovery Society - $5,000.00
- About the organization – Avalon is a nurturing community that offers hope, compassionate support, resources and profound connections for women with lived experience of addiction and trauma. Their programs and services are accessible to anyone who identifies and lives full-time as a woman, trans-inclusive.
- About the program – Funding will support the purchase of food supplies to sustain the food program at the Avalon Women's Centre. This includes acquiring nutritious food items to meet the dietary needs of the women accessing our services. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be designated for the acquisition of a large storage cupboard specifically designed to safely and efficiently store food and supplies.

Canadian Paraplegic Association (B.C.) dba Spinal Cord Injury BC - $5,000.00
- About the organization – Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities, adjust, adapt, and thrive. Currently, they serve over 2,800 British Columbians and their families and friends, by providing answers, information and unique community experiences that change lives.
- About the program – Funding will support Peer Support and Information Services programs that benefit residents of Surrey who are living with spinal cord injuries or similar physical disabilities, as well as their families. Funding will be allocated towards program events, activities and services that provide support for spinal cord injury peers in Surrey and surrounding areas.

Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia - $5,000.00
- About the organization – The Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia (CPABC) was started in 1954 by a group of parents who wanted to assist their children living with cerebral palsy to reach their maximum potential within society. Today, they are an independent charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. They provide support, education, and information throughout BC.
- About the program – Funding will support Dance Without Limits – adapted dance for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The program is designed for anyone who has a disability to help them with physical exercise, strengthening their sense of belonging as well as providing an opportunity for an activity at no cost to the family.

Delta Thistle Curling Club - $3,500.00
- About the organization – Established in 1972, the Delta Thistle Curling Club has six sheets with some of the best curling ice in the Lower Mainland. The club is home to Men’s, Ladies’, Mixed, Open and Novice adult leagues six nights a week, is host to a number of daytime senior leagues, and has a growing Saturday morning junior curling program.
- About the program – Funding will support “Try Adaptive Curling Day,” and one-day introduction to adaptive curling so people can try the sport for free and meet others in the community. This includes the purchase of specialized wheelchair curling delivery sticks and heads.

Learning Disabilities Association Fraser South - $2,200.00
- About the organization – The Learning Disabilities Association Fraser South has been serving the communities of Surrey, Delta, White Rock, and Langley since 1979. They are a not-for-profit organization governed by a body of dedicated volunteers (elected annually) and consist of professionals and parents who have a strong connection with learning disabilities.
- About the program – Funding will support a Summer Writing Program that focuses on the life-skill of composing text in order to communicate clearly and effectively. The project aims to reduce the drop-out rate and school avoidance of children and youth with learning disabilities by providing this summer remedial writing program.

Quest Outreach Society - $4,256.00
- About the organization – By bridging the gap between food banks and traditional grocery stores, Quest provides a grocery experience based on principles of dignity, access, and sustainability. Quest believes in a grocery model that simultaneously supports the community while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- About the program – Funding will support the Food Recovery & Redistribution Program in Surrey to ensure access to healthy, affordable, sustainable food for individuals and their families facing financial barriers, including food transportation and management.

Start2Finish Canada - $5,000.00
- About the organization – Start2Finish Canada's mission is to break the cycle of child poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Canada’s at-risk children throughout their school years, nurturing mind, body and social health so they are empowered to succeed and become role models for change.
- About the program – Funding will support the LIT Project, which aims to help break the cycle of poor literacy/well-being and low graduation rates among Indigenous and equity-deserving children (ages 6-13) in Surrey. The program includes Book Vending Machines that will provide an Indigenous-authored book EVERY MONTH to 200 children at K.B. Woodward Elementary School where the machine will be housed, and the Running & Reading Club+ after-school program.

Surrey Urban Mission Society - $9,244.00
- About the organization – Surrey Urban Mission Society (SUMS) is a Christian mission located in Surrey, BC. SUMS began as a community kitchen in 1995, and since then their services have expanded to include multiple shelters, a hygiene unit for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, and one supportive housing development, all located in the City Centre area of Surrey.
- About the program – Funding will support the purchase of electric bikes, safety gear and tablets, allowing outreach workers to extend their services to unhoused community members currently not connected with the Surrey Urban Mission Society or other available resources.

The Justice Education Society of BC - $4,467.00
- About the organization – For over 30 years, the Justice Education Society (JES) has strengthened people’s ability to access and deliver justice around the world. At JES, they're driven by the belief that building a person’s legal capability and strengthening the justice systems that serve them, has the power to create a more equitable society.
- About the program – Funding will support a one-day event in the Surrey Provincial courthouse for young women between the ages of 16-19. Preference will be given to young women who identify as being marginalized and/or vulnerable. Participants will be able to attend workshops, observe court, connect with legal professionals, forge mentorship relationships, and cultivate a supportive community for their journey to a legal career.

UNITI (Legal name, Semiahmoo House Society) - $6,500
- About the organization – Semiahmoo House Society exists to provide quality services and support to people with disabilities and their families in the community. They are committed to supporting the best quality of life possible for our clients in the most cost-effective, efficient manner possible by providing the BEST services to the MOST people for the LEAST amount of money possible.
- About the program – Funding will support the purchase of new equipment to increase efficiency, productivity and quality of service for Tidy-A-Lot, the service through which UNITI provides economic opportunities and career pathways for people with developmental disabilities interested in pursuing careers in the landscaping industry.

Community Grants

2024 SurreyCares Community Grants

Funding Priorities

General Community

Disabilities & Special Needs

Youth Initiatives

2024 Grant Recipients

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