Rotary clubs provide backpacks to 51 Surrey students

Fifty-one students at four White Rock and South Surrey elementary schools returned to class with backpacks and school supplies provided by the Rotary Club of White Rock and the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo.

The clubs delivered the backpacks to principals at Jessie Lee, White Rock, Ray Shepherd and Ocean Cliff elementary schools during the week before classes began Sept. 8. Each backpack contained supplies including binders, paper, duotangs, exercise books, felt markers, pencil crayons, crayons, pencils, pens, sharpeners, rulers, calculators and geometry sets. Students also received hygiene kits and fidget items.

Carla Hanson, a White Rock Rotary member since 2012, said the initiative began after the club contacted the Surrey School District while renting a school gym for its annual book sale. The district identified four elementary schools in the South Surrey and White Rock area that could use support.

Committees from both clubs raised enough money to provide backpacks for all four schools. Although the clubs have previously supported local schools through Christmas hampers, this was their first back-to-school backpack project.

The principals worked with school staff and families to ensure the backpacks reached students who needed them most. The project was funded through community fundraising, including the clubs’ twice-yearly book sale and annual Morgan Creek Golf Tournament. More information is available at whiterockrotary.org and semiahmoorotary.org.