Posts by rprasad

White Rock/South Surrey Ranks First in National Fundraiser, Coldest Night of the Year, Raising $270,000 for Sources Foundation

26 Feb 2024 by

SURREY AND WHITE ROCK, B.C. – February 25, 2024 – This past Saturday, White Rock/South Surrey ranked number one among 190 locations in Canada, raising over $270,000 for Sources Foundation’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY). Held at Memorial Park, White Rock, the event attracted over 550 walkers across age groups, cultures and backgrounds. Present at the venue was Sources Outreach Van, purchased with the funds raised in 2023 for transporting people to warming centres and service hubs.

“Congratulations to all my fellow community members for coming up at the number 1 position in Canada,” says Marc Burchell, CNOY Ambassador for White Rock/South Surrey location. “A big thanks to each of you for once again stepping up to support those in our community who are struggling.”

For the past 11 years, CNOY has been helping bring essential services closer to those in need. Proceeds from this year will go to Sources food banks, homeless prevention services, and peer support services. “Individuals experiencing homelessness have jumped by 64% in Surrey in the last three years,” says Jason Blaschuk. “While costs have increased across the board, funding from the government and other agencies has remained the same.” Through events like CNOY, Sources Foundation not only raises critical funds but also brings awareness in the community.  

The Feb 24 event was emceed by celebrity fitness instructor Tommy Europe. Billy White and the Rockettes performed crowd favourites, Korki Klown wowed families with her fun surprises and balloons and DinoSOURCES made an honourary appearance. Walkers were served hot soup by Sheila’s Catering, hot dogs by Rotary Club of White Rock, delicious donuts by Little Ootie’s, Starbucks coffee, treats by Save-On-Foods, games and scarves by Prospera Credit Union and hot chocolate and Timbits by Uptown Printers. The event wrapped up with a prize draw for walkers and volunteers with generous prizes donated by the HomeLife Benchmark realtors. 

This year’s fundraising champion is Ernie Klassen of White Rock Pride Society who raised over $26,700. White Rock Pride Society came up as the top team, generating over $33,500. It was a very close race with White Rock Baptist Church trailing by only a couple of hundred dollars. Other teams included Semiahmoo Rotary Striders, Gracepoint Cares and Heart and Sole.

Sources Foundation is grateful for the generosity of local businesses, including our supporting sponsors Elkay, HomeLife Benchmark Realty and Karim Jandali, RBC Wealth Management and BC Housing.

This year’s fundraising goal is $300,000 and donations are accepted until March 31. To give, visit https://cnoy.org/location/whiterocksouthsurrey.

Media Contact Janet Welch Manager, Communications and Philanthropy SOURCES FoundationJWelch@SourcesBC.caAbout The Sources Foundation works with the community to raise funds to support the work of Sources Community Resources Society. Since 1992, our Foundation has funded social wellness programs and services that provide hope, strength and resilience to individuals and families in communities across B.C.

Sources Foundation urges support to raise $300,000 for White Rock/South Surrey Coldest Night of the Year walk

15 Feb 2024 by

WHITE ROCK AND SOUTH SURREY, B.C. – February 15, 2024 – Sources Foundation is urging everyone to slow down and look closer as they prepare for the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk to raise $300,000 for the White Rock/South Surrey community on Feb 24.

“This year, with the money we raise, we plan to support our food banks, homeless prevention & rent bank services, as well as expand our outreach activities,” says David Young, CEO of Sources Foundation. “The need is great. However, we remain undaunted in our determination to be there for the most vulnerable in our community.”

“For any community to thrive, it is important to know why someone is left behind and help them with resources they need to progress,” say CNOY Co-Chairs Felix Zhang and Brooke Fernandes. Last year, the CNOY event helped the Sources Foundation raise over $250,000 to provide individuals food, housing and counselling that wouldn’t otherwise have been available to them. The organization also purchased an outreach van to connect with people on the street and bring them to services and supports, helping them start the journey towards a better future.

On Feb 24, CNOY participants across 190 locations in Canada will walk 2 KM or 5 KM to bring those struggling closer to food, shelter and hope. For the White Rock/South Surrey community, the walk will start at Memorial Park, White Rock. The event will be emceed by celebrity fitness trainer Tommy Europe.

While the official start time is 4 PM, entertainment and registration will begin at 3 PM with performance by local music band Billy White and the Rockettes, Korki Klown sponsored by HomeLife Benchmark Realty, donuts by Little oOtie’s Mini Donuts and treats by Save-On-Foods (Southpoint and Semiahmoo stores). We will also have Prospera Credit Union handing out scarves, soup donated by Sheila’s Catering and coffee by Starbucks.

Teams and walkers can register online for free and set up their fundraising page. Top 50 walkers will receive 4 tickets each to CNOY’s post wrap-up event – Surrey Eagles’ season finale. The cut-off date for the contest is Feb 23, 9:00 AM. We will also have vibrant CNOY toques for anyone raising $150 or more or $75 (for youth 17 and under) at the check-in desk.

Visit cnoy.org/whiterocksouthsurrey to register to walk, volunteer, or donate.

Media ContactJanet WelchManager, Communications and Philanthropy SOURCES FoundationJWelch@SourcesBC.caAbout The Sources Foundation works with the community to raise funds to support the work of Sources Community Resources Society. Since 1992, our Foundation has funded social wellness programs and services that provide hope, strength and resilience to individuals and families in communities across B.C.

Sources Foundation’s Mystery on the Nile Charity Gala Raises Over $400,000 for People with Developmental Disabilities, Food Banks and Youth Counselling

7 Nov 2023 by

SURREY, B.C. – November 6, 2023 – Sources Foundation raised over $400,000 at their annual charity gala, Mystery on the Nile. The fundraiser, co-presented by Save-On-Foods and Scotiabank, took place on November 4 at Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club. Proceeds from the event will be directed to Sources Community Living programs, food banks and youth counselling program – DiscoverY.

“We are grateful for all those who donated their time and money to support such an important fundraiser,” says Paul Cope, Gala Co-Chair and Co-Presenting Sponsor (Save-On-Foods). “The social needs of this community are critical and as such, we set our sights to raise $400,000. Through the generosity of this incredible community, I am pleased to announce that we succeeded in reaching our goal.”

“With these funds raised, SOURCES will now be able to focus on some of the areas that need the greatest attention,” says Nicolas Verrier, Co-Presenting Sponsor and representative for Grace Chiu (Scotiabank). “Supporting adults with developmental disabilities has been a key focus of the gala. As well, addressing hunger and mental illness among our youths are concerns that require ongoing support.”

The Mystery on the Nile event transformed Hazelmere into an ancient Egyptian-inspired spectacle complete with life-size décor and models dressed up to stun the crowd. Well-known charity auctioneer Howard Blank raised over $100,000 and the elegant and professional Neesha Hothi emceed the evening with energy and passion. Entertainment was provided by Peninsula Productions as they took guests through a who-dun-it mystery dinner that kept everyone on their toes in search for a missing sacred scarab. Wes Levesque and Brant Darling of Sheila’s Catering Co. won the 2023 Community Hero Award for their philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to the community.

The charitable evening could not have been possible without its sponsors including DMCL, Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, It’s On Electric, and KPU, as well as Sources staff and volunteers.

If you’d like to be a part of supporting Sources Foundation’s cause, you can purchase 50/50 tickets at Sources5050.RaffleNexus.com. The jackpot can grow up to $200,000 and the winner takes half. Contest closes November 29, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Draw takes place November 30, 2023 at 12:00 pm.

For more information, please visit SourcesFoundation.ca/Gala.

To read more, visit the Surrey-Now Leader article.

Media ContactJanet WelchManager, Communications and Philanthropy SOURCES Foundation JWelch@SourcesBC.caAbout The Sources Foundation works with the community to raise funds to support the work of Sources Community Resources Society. Since 1992, our Foundation has funded social wellness programs and services that provide hope, strength and resilience to individuals and families in communities across B.C.

Sources Foundation’s “Mystery on the Nile” Gala Seeks $400,000 for Developmental Disabilities, Food Security, and Mental Wellness

23 Oct 2023 by

SURREY, B.C. – October 23, 2023 – Social wellness organization Sources Foundation is just days away from hosting its 27thAnnual Fundraising Gala, Mystery on the Nile, co-presented by Save-On-Foods and Scotiabank. Happening November 4 at Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, the event will celebrate the rich history of ancient Egypt with the goal of raising $400,000 for its Community Living programs, food banks and mental health initiatives for youths.

Sources Community Resources Society (SOURCES) operates five staffed homes for adults with developmental disabilities and autism. One of those homes is SOURCES’ highest priority for attention. It is an older home with narrow hallways and lots of stairs. Residents’ needs have evolved over time and the space is no longer suitable. One resident has seizures and requires staff assistance particularly when using stairs. Accessibility is limited and with another resident in a wheelchair, navigating around the home is challenging and staff support is required. With money raised from the gala, SOURCES will initiate plans to create a home where all residents can comfortably age in place.

“We want to give our residents exactly what everyone has, despite their disabilities and how their needs may change,” says Christine Conlin, Executive Director. “They deserve to feel comfortable, be able to access their home and live as independently as possible.”

In addition to community living homes, SOURCES is raising funds for its community food banks as well as DiscoverY, a free youth counselling program. Over the past year, the food banks have recorded close to 77,000 visits, up by over 50% from 2021-22. These numbers are expected to continue climbing due to ongoing economic conditions.

Just as pressing is the need for accessible counselling for youth. Just under 500 hours of counselling sessions were provided to young persons last year. SOURCES relies on donations from the community to provide this critical service.

“Our gala not only helps us raise much-needed funds, it also gathers our community together for an important cause,” says David Young, CEO. “Because of the overwhelming response we have received from last year’s gala, we were able to launch a new anti-violence women’s program. This year, we are asking for everyone’s help to better serve the long-term needs of our residents and assist others to overcome hunger and mental health challenges.” 

With this year’s theme Mystery on the Nile, the gala is expected to excite guests with an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty and culture of ancient Egypt. The showstopper will be the night’s entertainment performed by Peninsula Productions as they will be leading attendees through a mystery solving dinner. Added to the lineup will be charity auctioneer Howard Blank and Master of Ceremonies Neesha Hothi.

Although the event is sold out, you can support this year’s cause by purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets. The jackpot may grow up to $200,000 and the winner takes half. Tickets can be purchased at Sources5050.RaffleNexus.com.

The gala is also running a silent auction as a part of its fundraising activities. You can shop here: Can.Givergy.com/MysteryOnTheNile.

We give special thanks to all our community partners including Diamond Sponsors DMCL Chartered Professional Accountants, Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, It’s On Electric, and Platinum Sponsor Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).

For more information, please visit SourcesFoundation.ca/Gala.  

Media Contact Janet WelchManager, Communications and PhilanthropySOURCES FoundationJWelch@SourcesBC.caAbout The Sources Foundation works with the community to raise funds to support the work of Sources Community Resources Society. Since 1992, our Foundation has funded social wellness programs and services that provide hope, strength and resilience to individuals and families in communities across B.C.

Sources Community Resources Society Fires Up Coldest Night of the Year Charity Walk to Be In-Person This Year

15 Feb 2023 by

SURREY AND WHITE ROCK, B.C. – February 15, 2023 – After two years of virtual walking, Sources Community Resources Society (SOURCES) is fired up to hold the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk in-person this year. CNOY is an annual nation-wide fundraiser, with SOURCES carrying the torch for White Rock/South Surrey. This family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, February 25 at the White Rock Promenade.

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SOURCES Prepares for Coldest Night of the Year’s Walk Weekend

23 Feb 2022 by

SOURCES Prepares for Coldest Night of the Year’s Walk Weekend
Surrey and White Rock, B.C. (February 23, 2022) – SOURCES prepares for this weekend’s White Rock/South Surrey Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), happening Saturday, February 26. Entering its 9th year of the fundraising walk, SOURCES will be kicking off opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. this Friday, followed by individual team walks on the weekend, and closing ceremonies will be held at 6 p.m. this Sunday.

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