Surrey wants your help to make sure every student has school supplies this fall 

August 22,2025

RED FM News Desk

The Surrey School District is asking for donations to help ensure students returning to class next month have the supplies they need. 

The district has launched its annual donation drive, collecting school supplies, backpacks, and other essentials for families in need. 

Last year, the program supported more than 1,000 students, and officials expect even greater demand this year as enrolment continues to rise. Surrey schools enrolled more than 83,000 students last year, an increase of 1,500 from the year before. More than 100 schools have already requested 2,225 supply-filled backpacks — 800 more than last year. Each backpack costs about $60 to purchase and fill. 

“With our district growing, we’re expecting a large number of new students again in September,” said Gary Tymoschuk, chair of the Surrey Board of Education. “On top of that, the economy and global events over the past six months have made it harder for many families to keep up.” 

The district is working with several Surrey community organizations to collect supplies, food, and monetary donations to support families as the school year begins. 

On Sunday, the Guru Nanak Food Bank held its fourth annual supply drive. Many children are coming to school with nothing. 

Choices Market at Alder Crossing in South Surrey will also be raising funds for the district at a community barbecue on Sept. 6. 

According to the district, high-demand items include backpacks, binders with lined paper, pencil cases stocked with supplies, and hygiene products such as deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and feminine hygiene items.