May 2016

Bright Beginnings Foundation update

There are some exciting new developments! Sylvia Moffatt, Stephanie Emro and I have been working very hard and are very pleased with the progress we have made to date.

  1. BBF has a new website. There is an overview of the BBF, a link to research and articles concerning poverty in Surrey, a list of the many ways to give to BBF (not just financial) and a photo gallery. We have already developed our scholarship criteria and application process but will not post those until we are ready to award the scholarship.  We are in the process of doing major fundraising. We are approaching businesses and organizations (i.e. unions and community sponsors). We are always updating the site, so check us out occasionally here
  2. BBF had a table set up at the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade on April 23rd. There were an estimated 350,000 attendees! We had a craft and candy for the kids and we spoke to countless people about BBF. They showed deep understanding and interest in what we are doing. We handed out numerous BBF brochures. I was also interviewed by a Punjabi TV station. I have not been able to find the clip nor do I know if it even aired.
  3. BBF had tables at both Surrey Teachers’ Association’s annual convention sites. Sylvia had some wonderful conversations with elementary teachers and I made connections with many secondary teachers.
  4. We plan to have tables set up at the many festivals and fairs around Surrey this Spring and Summer. We will have our signature children’s activity while we speaking to people at Surrey Fest Downtown on June 18th in Holland Park. Come see us.
  5. Perhaps the most exciting news of all is that BBF is in the process of helping our first student!  Our first recipient is an 18 year old single Mom. She has lived in poverty all of her life. She moved out of her family’s home when she turned 17 because it was a very difficult environment in which to continue her studies while she had so many home/life responsibilities. She has been attending a Surrey public Secondary School and is in their carpentry program. She is looking forward to attending the Carpentry Apprenticeship Program at Surrey Kwantlen Polytechnic. The Bright Beginnings Foundation will provide her with materials, such as tools and work boots, so that she can complete the program. She is very proud of her accomplishments to date. With the support of the Bright Beginnings Foundation and OPTION’s Growing Together program she will be able to further her education and obtain a trade that will break the cycle of poverty.

How can you help?

Our next big job is to go to Surrey businesses and other community support organizations to get funds so that we can achieve our goal. If you are able to help us out in this endeavour we would love to hear from you.

  • Do you know someone who we may be interested in backing the BBF?
  • Are you comfortable approaching potential sponsors?
  • Do you have any creative fundraising ideas?
  • Are you badly in need of good karma? Giving away $100 or $100,000  will do it for you!