In October of 2016 I wrote these words in one of our first blogs. “Bright Beginnings Foundation is still in its infancy.” At only 7-months-old BBF really was an infant. We began with just two directors and an idea of the direction we wanted BBF to go. Soon Stephanie joined Sylvia and I, and together we began to work towards the goal of making a difference in the lives of students and their families.
If you would like to discover or strengthen your passion, please consider joining our team.
Fast forward to today… seven and a half years later we are very pleased to say that BBF is maturing nicely. We are so proud of what we are doing and what we have accomplished! We now have a team of five, dedicated and passionate directors, each with their own set of skills, interests and strengths. Sylvia’s energy and love of gardening has translated into a passion for fundraising for our students. Stephanie has a connection to local businesses and actively looks for ways to get the BBF name out there. She has also taken on a major role on our student selection committee. Karen uses her wide network to find funding sources for us. Michelle has expertise in areas no one else has. She works closely with the schools when we are about to call for BBF Bursary submissions. She also is very creative. Her Driftwood Creations were a hot seller at the plant sale this year! As for me, Tammy, I guess my strong suit is that I enjoy networking and talking to people about BBF. I am somewhat organized (although if you saw my computer desk right now you would beg to differ) and don’t mind handling the day-to-day computer, correspondence, accounting and scheduling tasks. I am so grateful that each and every one of us is able to turn their strengths into an asset for BBF.
What BBF has been up to
As you know, during the pandemic, BBF was not able to raise funds using our traditional methods. We became creative and held smaller COVID-safe fundraisers. They were each wildly successful! In fact, Sylvia’s Plant Sale was held over for at least a month of weekends!! We also have continued to apply for and receive grants and donations. Many were even unsolicited. Thank you to our individual donors and our BBF-BFFs (monthly donors) who continue to come through for us as well. With your help not only is BBF surviving the economic downturn, but we are actually flourishing!!
We are so excited to be able to announce the return of the Bright Futures for Surrey Youth Banquet which we are planning for February 2023. Once again, we will feature Surrey’s talented youth. We will be inviting Surrey MLAs and City Councillors.
Update on BBF Bursary students
We are extremely proud of our students. After BBF’s help to achieve their initial educational goals they decided to further their studies. One of them, Shawn has graduated from his program at VCC and has decided to pursue a 2nd degree in Social Work at Douglas College. Another is completing her SFU coursework in a few weeks. She has decided to continue at SFU.
A few months ago, we accepted new applications for the BBF Bursary. We received more submissions than ever before. Each of our applicants impressed us with their work ethic, as well as their resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. The decision was very difficult and, in the end, we could not decide on a clear winner. So, for the first time, while awarding a full-ride BBF Bursary to one student, we also awarded a $5,000 BBF Grant to another for her first year of education. Both students will be starting at SFU in the Fall and are very grateful to BBF and its supporters. (Student photos used by permission)
We’d like to hear from you
During BBF’s first days, we made the decision not to accept grant moneys that came from gaming revenue. Now, we are revisiting this issue. On the one hand, the impact of gambling on society is well-known. Could we, in good conscience, gain from those who have become addicted? On the other hand, the money we get would be put to very good use. It could also be argued that not accepting this revenue is more symbolic than effective in stopping gambling.
What are your thoughts? Should BBF use funds collected from gambling revenue?
