I admit that I am no Barbara Cartland or Nora Roberts. They are listed among Literature’s most prolific writers. I am definitely not mentioned on that list!! It has been a ridiculously long time since I have written to you. My only excuse is that Bright Beginning Foundation’s directors have been working very hard on many projects including making sure our students have a smooth transition into their chosen Universities, updating the BBF website, applying for grants and planning this year’s fundraising events.

But first, a word from one of the BBF Bursary recipients…

“I will be starting my second year at Simon Fraser University in September of 2019 with the help of the BBF community. It is because of these funds and from all the help that your organization has given me that I am able to go to university and pursue my passion and education. Thank you so much!”

How can BBF make me wealthy, you ask?

I was lucky to have a loving and wise Grandmother (we called her Baba) living with us for awhile when I was growing up. I remember her fondly… her quirks, her laughter, her voice, her generosity.

A single mother of four children during the Depression, Baba still managed to give food to hungry neighbours. When her children were grown with families of their own, she regularly gave to several local and overseas charities. And she always was ready with books of raffle tickets to sell for one charity or another. [This trait, I assure you, I did not inherit!]

One thing I remember most about her was her often repeated claim that, “I am so rich!” We knew that she did not possess much material wealth so when I once asked her why so was so rich, she replied, “I have so much love around me”.

In a fundraising workshop I recently attended, I was asked to come up with a listing of 25 reasons a donor should give to BBF. This was not an easy task but I was also surprised that it was not impossible either. I think we all are aware of the negative consequences that poverty has on our society. So, I will not reiterate them here. Instead I will focus on the other reasons to donate to Bright Beginnings Foundation.

Reasons to give

  1. BBF makes a positive difference in the lives of our students and their families

  2. When you donate you have a sense of “I am not alone in tackling the issue of poverty in our community”

  3. You can be sure that 99% of all the money raised goes to students

  4. You are giving to a foundation that has pulled a group of people and organizations together to deal with the issue of poverty in our community

  5. We have the conviction that “We CAN solve this problem when we work together”

  6. BBF restores the balance of fairness so that students, regardless of financial challenges, have a chance to attend a post-secondary institution

  7. BBF gives marginalized students a chance to succeed and make career choices (as our student said)

  8. It is safe to say that all students have dreams. BBF goes the extra mile to make certain our student’s dreams are realized

  9. A post-secondary education will open doors to Living-Wage careers for our students

  10. When BBF sponsors students, our economy benefits because families have increased buying power.

  11. When BBF sponsors students, our social fabric improves because health, shelter and food security issues can be addressed.

  12. BBF gives hope to families

  13. Everyone deserves to live a poverty-free life

  14. BBF, potentially, benefits future generations by breaking the cycle of generational poverty

  15. Education is a Human Right

  16. A post-secondary education is the pathway to a bright future

  17. Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between the education of parents and that of their children. (click here for an informative Stats Can article)

  18. Giving to BBF will make you feel good (You don’t believe me? Check out this article)

  19. Donors to BBF feel a sense of pride that they are a part of the solution

  20. Giving to BBF encourages friends and family to give to BBF or to other worthwhile causes

  21. Giving to charity introduces your children to the importance of generosity

  22. Important, but not exactly altruistic… You get a tax benefit

  23. BBF is one of the very few foundations doing what it does

  24. Becoming a Monthly Giver (BBF BFF) and/or a Legacy Donor ensures security for low-income students in Surrey for many years to come

  25. BBF supporters enjoy good karma

Okay, I cheated on the last one. But I have come up with at least 24 compelling reasons to give to Bright Beginnings Foundation.

So, why not click the Donate Now button right now?

DONATE NOW

 

***This message is endorsed by my Baba***

Up and Coming Events

Please mark your calendars…

Our 3rd Annual Banquet will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2020. This year we plan to showcase Surrey’s talented youth. We are inviting Visual and Performing Artists from Surrey’s Public Schools to perform, display and, if they wish, sell their art. More details will be coming your way.

 

Sylvia’s Annual Plant Sale will take place in May of 2020. Watch for details.

 

BBF directors are in the process of looking into at least two more new and exciting (and fun) fundraisers. Stay tuned.