Surrey firefighters are positively fired up about a few things this spring, including the recent launch of a youth academy, another Battle of the Brews fundraiser happening this summer and, most impressively, surpassing $2 million raised last fiscal year by their charitable society.
In 2018, Surrey firefighters reached the $1-million milestone in giving, and that amount has now doubled to $2 million annually.
"This incredible growth has allowed us to significantly increase both the size of our donations and the number of Surrey-based initiatives we support," including a snack program that feeds school students in need of nutrition, according to the society's Dylan Van Rooyen.
Events like the annual Battle of the Brews, a beer-tasting festival set to return to Surrey Civic Plaza on Aug. 16, help Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society raise money. Other fundraising campaigns include boot drives outside retail stores, Bright Nights at Stanley Park, Ignite a Dream gala, a thrift store in Newton, the mayor's charity ball, golf tournament, Christmas tree chipping and more.
Held in April at a training facility on 64 Avenue, the three-day Surrey Fire Fighters Youth Academy gave 40 students in Grade 11 and 12 a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at a career in the fire service.
Four scholarships of $2,500 each were awarded to students Lily Bey of Fraser Heights Secondary, Kaelyn Chong of Grandview Heights Secondary, Kennedy Grayson of École Salish Secondary and Kyle Pamintuan, Clayton Heights Secondary. An award presentation will be held June 11.
Commented Kennedy Grayson: “Prior to the Youth Academy, I had no idea what the fire service was truly like. Though I still have a lot to learn, I know this is the career for me.”
People can support future bursary opportunities at the charitable society's 2025 Ignite a Dream gala, planned Sept. 20 at KPU Cloverdale.
Meantime, Surrey Police Service will launch its inaugural student police academy in July, with 28 spots available and $150 registration fee. Designed for teens in Grades 11 and 12, the week-long academy (July 7-11, daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) aims to offer "knowledge about the policing environment, provide hands-on experience through various scenarios and continue to foster an understanding between SPS and the community we serve."
