Fraserview Learning Centre Seeks $15,000 to Combat Student Hunger

Fraserview Learning Centre in Mission, British Columbia, is seeking $15,000 from the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund’s Adopt-A-School campaign to address the pressing issue of hunger among its students. The school serves around 150 students who face significant challenges, including poverty, inadequate clothing, and other basic necessities.

As an alternative education facility, Fraserview’s students often come from vulnerable backgrounds. Many are in government care, live in unstable housing, or struggle with mental health issues. Kirsten Castonguay, a youth care worker at the school, emphasized the barriers these students face. “Our students often have multiple obstacles to overcome before they are able to sit down and learn. One of the most common we encounter is hunger,” she stated. Fortunately, she noted, this is one of the more manageable issues, thanks to available funding.

Despite the school’s small size, the need for resources is substantial. Many students arrive without breakfast or lunch, and the demand for support exceeds what the school can provide independently. The funds requested will go towards essentials such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies, which are vital for student well-being.

Impact of the Adopt-A-School Program

Last year, the Adopt-A-School initiative played a crucial role in enabling Fraserview to meet its students’ basic needs. “Adopt-A-School significantly helped us support our students in their basic needs of food, clothing, and hygiene products,” Castonguay explained. The funding facilitated the implementation of a breakfast program and the launch of a lunch program, ensuring that students receive nutritious meals throughout the school day.

The program also helped restore shower and laundry facilities, allowing students to maintain personal hygiene and clean their clothing. Additionally, a thrift store was established within the school, providing access to essential items like socks, underwear, and T-shirts. For students who could not find suitable items in the thrift store, Castonguay noted that she could purchase new coats and shoes as needed.

Now, there is a growing need for grocery cards to support students and their families during weekends or times when food is scarce. “We can’t offer that support without funding from this (Adopt-A-School) program,” Castonguay reiterated.

Voices from the Students

Two students at Fraserview, who wish to remain anonymous, shared how the school’s resources have impacted their lives. An 18-year-old female student remarked, “I usually get my clothes from here. Clothes have gotten so expensive. Kirsten was kind enough to let me go through some clothing for winter so I will be warm for sure.” She also utilizes the school’s shower and laundry facilities, expressing gratitude for the support available to her.

A 16-year-old male student explained that he relies on the school for food, clothing, and other necessities. “The school takes care of me when I don’t have food,” he said. He highlighted how the school has provided him with a bus pass, clothes, and shoes, particularly during challenging times. “I’ve had to take food from school home when I was in a rough patch. It’s made a huge difference,” he added.

The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund has reported receiving 164 requests from schools across British Columbia this year, totaling $1.5 million. These requests aim to help provide food and clothing for impoverished children. Since its inception in 2011, the Adopt-A-School campaign has allocated over $15 million to support hundreds of schools in meeting the basic needs of their students.

As a registered charity, the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund ensures that no administration costs are deducted from donations made to the Adopt-A-School program. All contributions are directed entirely to schools.

To support this vital initiative, donations can be made online at www.vansunkidsfund.ca or by calling 604-813-8673 to contribute via credit card.