Surrey’s High Fashion & High Tea fundraiser returns Oct. 4 to support affordable housing

Options Community Services will hold its second High Fashion & High Tea fundraiser in Surrey on Sunday, Oct. 4, to support affordable housing for women. The Mardi Gras-themed gala returns to Newton’s Empress Palace Ballroom one year after the first event there.

Ginny Hasselfield, the organization’s director of development, said proceeds will help advance its next affordable-housing project, with a focus on safe, stable housing for women and children fleeing violence. The first event raised close to $400,000 before expenses in 2025, she said.

The afternoon event will include a brass band, fashion show, magic, live auction and other entertainment. A welcome reception begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by food service, music and more, with the event expected to end at about 4 p.m. Tickets are available at highfashionandhightea.ca for $150, or $1,200 for a table of eight. Hasselfield said Sept. 16 that four tables remained for sale.

Options Community Services has served individuals and families in Surrey and nearby cities for more than 50 years through programs including housing, shelters, counselling, employment services and supports for children, youth and families. Hasselfield said its shelter services received 2,938 requests last year, representing 2,143 women and 795 children. Capacity limits forced the organization to turn away 2,820 requests, including 2,085 women and 736 children, underscoring the need for more affordable and supportive housing, she said.