$1M Bright Futures fund will provide meals, supplies, and programs for Surrey school students through Wubs Family Foundation and Surrey Schools.
Major Boost for Surrey Students
Surrey students will soon benefit from a $1-million investment aimed at ensuring equal opportunities in education. The Bright Futures initiative, launched Thursday, brings meals, supplies, technology access, and enriching programs to schools where resources are often stretched thin.
A Partnership Rooted in Community
The funding comes through a partnership between the Wubs Family Foundation and Surrey Schools. Announced at Westland Insurance headquarters at King George Hub on Sept. 25, the initiative marks a four-year commitment to build a legacy endowment for students across the city.
Closing the Opportunity Gap
The Bright Futures program focuses on under-resourced schools, where students often face barriers beyond their control. “Every child deserves to walk into school with the same opportunities as their classmates,” said Carolyn Nichols, board chair of the Wubs Family Foundation. “Bright Futures is our way of helping to close that gap, so no child has to go without the basics that allow them to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Backed by Local Leadership
Founded by Jeff Wubs in 1980, Westland Insurance has grown from a small Ladner office into one of Canada’s leading insurance providers. In 2023, the Wubs Family Foundation was created to expand the family’s philanthropic reach. The foundation has now turned its focus toward education in Surrey, home to one of the fastest-growing school districts in the country.
Faces Behind the Initiative
The announcement featured Surrey Schools superintendent Mark Pearmain and principals Lauretta Fenrick of Holly Elementary and Kam Grewal of Forsyth Elementary. Their schools will be among the first to see the benefits of Bright Futures, including field trips and classroom resources that many families otherwise cannot afford.
Rallying Broader Support
Beyond the Wubs Family Foundation, several corporate and community partners have joined the initiative, including KPMG, Envision, Lawson Lundell, Reotech, PCI, and Anderson Air. Organizers describe the effort as a “call to action” for businesses and neighbours alike to support the next generation of Surrey students.
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