SMALL FOUNDATION MAKES HUGE DIFFERENCE TO SURREY STUDENTS
Surrey, B.C. – Shawn Khabra* has faced financial and emotional adversity in his life. However, in May of 2019 his life changed when he was awarded Bright Beginnings Foundation’s Bursary. “I cannot be more thankful than I am for this opportunity that BBF has given me” Khabra says. The City of Surrey is sponsoring “Bright Futures for Surrey Youth”, a banquet to raise funds for Surrey students like Khabra, who will be speaking about the impact BBF has had on him and his family. Surrey’s MLAs from both sides of the floor are supporters of BBF and several will be in attendance as well. The fundraiser will be held Friday, February 7, 6 – 9 p.m., at the Grand Taj Banquet Hall in Surrey.
Organizers are pleased to announce that Mozhdah Jamalzadah will be performing and speaking at the banquet. Dubbed the “Oprah of Afghanistan” by the western media, Jamalzadah is a well-known singer and outspoken activist for women’s rights in Afghanistan. She sang for the Obamas in 2010 and will, once again, perform her song Dokhtare Afghan (Afghan Girl).
Bright Beginnings Foundation (BBF) was launched in March 2015 to support high-school graduates in Surrey who are living in poverty, and who possess the academic ability but lack the financial means to pursue a post-secondary education. The foundation provides funding for tuition, student fees and educational materials while students attend the post-secondary institution and program of their choice. The objective is to give marginalized students the same opportunity that their non-marginalized counterparts have. Having a post-secondary education means that they are able to obtain a degree or certification which will allow them to acquire a career that pays a living wage and benefits. This opportunity not only helps the students that benefit, but also potentially their families and the community at large.
Each year students who are struggling with financial challenges are invited to apply for the BBF Bursary. BBF currently is supporting two students. The first is in her second year of a four-year program at Simon Fraser University. The second student, Shawn Khabra, is in his first year at Vancouver Community College. A third BBF Bursary will be awarded in May which will open the door to full-time, well-paid and permanent careers for another student.
The “Bright Futures for Surrey Youth” event will feature top-notch student entertainment, door prizes, raffles, silent auction and a delicious Indian dinner. Tickets for the fundraiser are $55 per person, available at BBFBanq2020.eventbrite.ca For more information please call Karen at 604-970-5318.
* Bright Beginnings Foundation (BBF) makes a point of carefully respecting the privacy of its recipients and will not publish names, identifying photos or stories without their permission
Shawn Khabra has given us permission to publicize his name, story and photographs
