On September 29th, we held our annual celebration through a virtual format to show support for the Not-For-Profits organizations working tirelessly in our community.
Watch the full evening program here:
The event kicked off with an introduction from guest emcee Nira Arora, the morning show on-air host at 94.5 Virgin Radio. Cree Métis Elder, Laura Fortin, offered a message of acknowledgment that we are on the shared and unceded traditional territories of the Fraser Salish People including the Kwantlen, Katzie, QayQayt, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen. The program included messages from the SurreyCares Community Foundation Board Chair, John Lawson, and Grant Program Chair, Mike Bose.
The evening showcased grant recipient and fundholder interviews that shared the stories of some of the not for profits in our community. The videos highlighted the resilience of Not-for-Profits and their support that provided relief in the past year.
Recipient & Fund Holders Profiled:
Phoenix Society, Keir & Amy - Seventy Times Seven Times Fund Recipient Video
Stalew Arts & Culture, Phyllis Atkins - Emergency Community Support Fund Recipient Video
Moving Forward Family Services, Gary Thandi - Emergency Community Support Fund Recipient
Surrey Art Gallery Association - Designated Fund
Manjit Panghali Memorial Fund - Scholarship
Our 2021 Video was released - This project builds on the 2020 video and was developed with assistance from the younger members of the staff at SurreyCares to showcase all the work that has been done this year specifically focused on COVID-19 relief.
The session wrapped up with a guest appearance from Niki Sharma, Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits, who expressed her gratitude for all the work done by Not-For-Profits this past year. Christine gave closing remarks, brought greetings from Mayor McCallum, and opened the floor to Q&A.