News

Comfort and Care during COVID-19

SOURCES will continue to do our best to deliver our essential social services, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of community are taken care of while maintaining the health, safety and wellness of our dedicated staff and volunteer team.

To provide help and hope to the increasing number of people who need it during the COVID-19 pandemic, our intent is to apply funds raised strategically to areas of critical need. Read More…

Solid Gold: Sources Sets a New Record by Raising $605,000 at Rock Around the Clock Fundraiser

SURREY, B.C. – November 4, 2024 – This past Saturday, Sources Foundation held a solid gold event, setting a new fund-raising record with an incredible $605,000 achievement at its annual signature fundraiser, Rock Around the Clock – A Sources Sock Hop. The event surpassed its goal of $425,000 by a huge margin, successfully kicking off Sources’ $5 million capital campaign for Foundry South Surrey, the organization’s biggest fundraising initiative to date.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity shown by our community,” says David Young, President & CEO, Sources Foundation. “Our supporters came together this past weekend to help us realize our vision of bringing life-changing services to our young people on the Peninsula.”

The event marked Young’s final fundraiser as the head of the organization, as he prepares to retire in January 2025. “We couldn’t have imagined a better parting gift for our CEO,” says Marlyn Graziano, Board Chair, Sources Foundation. “He leaves behind an awe-inspiring legacy and a solid foundation for us to keep serving the community.”

Guests dressed in lettermen jackets, poodle skirts and all things 1950s walked into halls adorned with vinyl records, a checkered dance floor, retro posters and backdrops. Swing dancers and classic rock and roll tunes kept the energy high. Local celebrity Mark Madryga emceed the evening, while auctioneer Howard Blank led the live auction. Local and community member and city councillor, Ernie Klassen received the Community Hero Award for his contributions to the community and his outstanding fund raising efforts for the Coldest Night of the Year walkathon for White Rock/South Surrey. In a surprise moment, David Young was honoured with the Social Impact Leader Award for his exemplary leadership in the community.

This incredible evening could not have been possible without its sponsors including Save-On-Foods, Scotiabank, DMCL, Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, as well as Sources staff and volunteers. Proceeds from Rock Around the Clock will be directed to Foundry South Surrey, an upcoming free health and wellness centre that will bring together mental health, physical and sexual health, substance use and employment services for young persons aged 12-24. The centre will serve the communities of South Surrey, White Rock and Cloverdale. To learn more, visit FoundryBC.ca.

You can still support Sources’ sock hop by purchasing a 50/50 raffle ticket and/or donating online. To give, visit Trellis.org/RockAroundtheClock.

Media Contact

Janet Welch – Manager, Communications and Philanthropy SOURCES Foundation

JWelch@SourcesBC.ca
About

Established in 1978, Sources Community Resources Society (SOURCES) is an internationally accredited not-for-profit social services agency. Our programs serve individuals across various age groups experiencing poverty, mental health challenges, disability, conflict, isolation and addiction. We have over 20 locations in BC including White Rock, Surrey, Delta, Langley, Prince George, and Parksville. Some of our programs are government funded while others are funded by the generosity of community donors. Sources Foundation is the fundraising arm of SOURCES. Our 365 staff members are the backbone of our organization, touching the lives of thousands of individuals each year.

SOUTH SURREY FOUNDRY TO TRANSFORM YOUTH SERVICES ON THE PENINSULA

SURREY, B.C. – September 23, 2024 – Backed by the Government of BC, Sources Community Resources Society (SOURCES) has started the groundwork to develop Foundry South Surrey, a free walk-in centre for youths and young people struggling to access health and social care. The centre will be developed on the traditional and unceded ancestral lands of the Semiahmoo First Nation.

“When young people are in distress, they and their families need to know where to go. When they get there, they need to be met with a comprehensive and timely range of services and supports. Foundry has been working toward this exact goal across BC and is now serving over 3,000 young persons each month,” says George Passmore, SOURCES Executive Director. George has been working with young people and families for over 20 years.

Foundry is a Providence Health Care program. Its revolutionary Integrated Youth Services (IYS) model brings together mental health, physical and sexual health, substance use and employment services for young persons aged 12-24, all under one roof. As the lead agency to bring Foundry South Surrey to life, SOURCES is already actively working with the local community and partnering with Semiahmoo First Nations and Alex House. Currently in the capital development stage, the project requires an investment of $8 million and is one of the biggest fundraising campaigns SOURCES has undertaken.

Lynn Seabrook, Foundry Project Lead, will be engaging South Surrey/White Rock residents to shape the unique characteristics of the centre. Prior to joining SOURCES, Lynn was instrumental in developing mental health, substance use and health care services for youth in Katzie First Nation, Spirit Bear Centre Society, First Nation Health Authority and Provincial Health Services Authority.

“Foundry South Surrey’s integrated, stepped services will reach youth where they are in their journey towards wellness and independence. I look forward to working with young persons and families to create a holistic and welcoming centre,” says Lynn.

Dr Steve Mathias, Co-Executive Director of Foundry, will be the keynote speaker at Sources upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) happening September 24 at White Rock Community Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event to learn more about Foundry and SOURCES.

To attend the AGM: Info@SourcesBC.ca

To learn more about Foundry: FoundryBC.ca

To donate: SourcesFoundation.ca/Give

Media Contact

Janet Welch – Manager, Communications and Philanthropy SOURCES Foundation

JWelch@SourcesBC.ca
About

Established in 1978, Sources Community Resources Society (SOURCES) is an internationally accredited not-for-profit social services agency. Our programs serve individuals across various age groups experiencing poverty, mental health challenges, disability, conflict, isolation and addiction. We have over 20 locations in BC including White Rock, Surrey, Delta, Langley, Prince George, and Parksville. Some of our programs are government funded while others are funded by the generosity of community donors. Sources Foundation is the fundraising arm of SOURCES. Our 365 staff members are the backbone of our organization, touching the lives of thousands of individuals each year.

 

SAVE THE DATE – SOURCES Notice of Annual General Meeting

South Surrey – August 14, 2024 – Join us on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, as we reflect on our past year of service to individuals and families on the mainland, Vancouver Island and Northern BC.

We welcome registrants to invite a friend or family member for an evening of meaningful dialogue and observing our accomplishments over the last year.

For more information feel free to contact: Tina Rasmussen, Executive Coordinator at TRasmussen@SourcesBC.ca or 250.240.1699.

Please check out our websites for information on our programs and events: SourcesBC.ca (Society) and SourcesFoundation.ca (Foundation). We look forward to seeing you on September 24th!

Register Now!


Agenda:

5:00–5:30 PM
Registration and Light Refreshments

5:30–5:40 PM
Welcoming Address – Chief Harley Chappell

5:40–6:00 PM
Sources Community Resources Society Annual General Meeting

6:00–6:20 PM
Sources Foundation Annual General Meeting

6:20–6:50 PM
Keynote Speaker – Dr. Steve Mathias

6:50–7:00 PM
Closing Remarks

Location: White Rock Community Centre – 15154 Russell Ave, White Rock, BC


Dr. Steve Mathias is the co-Executive Director of Foundry, British Columbia’s community-based, integrated health and social service network for young people (12-24 years old) and their families. Steve trained as a psychiatrist at the University of British Columbia and obtained fellowships in both Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (FRCPC). In 2009, he co-founded the Inner City Youth Program, the first intensive case management team in Canada to work with homeless youth and later, led the opening of the Granville Youth Health Centre (later re-named Foundry Vancouver-Granville) in 2015. During that time, his proposal to the British Columbia Parliamentary Select Standing Committee on Child and Youth Mental Health led to the funding of the first five Foundry centres. From 2017-18, Steve served as the co-head of the Department of Psychiatry, and Physician Director of the Mental Health Program at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.

Today, Foundry is a provincial network of 18 integrated youth services centres and Foundry Virtual. Each Foundry centre offers an array of health (mental health, substance use, single session brief therapy, physical and sexual health) and social (e.g. peer support, family peer support, and individual placement and support) services. By 2027, it is anticipated that 35 Foundry centres will be in operation across British Columbia.

Dr. Steve Mathias, his partner Leane, and their three teenagers, are settlers on the unceded lands of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, residing in North Vancouver. They acknowledge that these lands have been home to Indigenous people since time immemorial and they recognize and honour the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people as the stewards of the land, waterways and ocean coasts that they so enjoy.

David Young, President and Chief Executive Officer Retirement Announcement

South Surrey – August 6, 2024 – Please join us in congratulating David Young, President and Chief Executive Officer, on his upcoming retirement in January 2025. To ensure a seamless transition, SOURCES has established a search committee and has engaged Boyden Canada, an international executive search firm based in Vancouver. We will engage our stakeholders over the coming months as we launch the search for our next Chief Executive Officer.

For the past seventeen years, David has played a pivotal role in the growth and transformation of SOURCES. David has successfully merged the strengths and capacities of five separate legacy agencies to create a more comprehensive and holistic response to community needs under the Sources banner. Under his leadership the agency has grown from an annual budget of $5 Million to $33 Million for a range of programs that serve the Lower Mainland, Central Vancouver Island and Northern British Columbia.

Please join us on behalf of SOURCES and the Board in thanking David for his leadership and service to our organization and community.

Sincerely,

Rupinder Khunkhun
Board Chair
Sources Community Resources Society

Back by Popular Demand, Charity Fashion Show In Her Shoes Returns to Raise Funds for a Second Year to Support Sources Women’s Place

South Surrey and White Rock, B.C. – April 15 2024 – In Her Shoes, a charity fashion show that made waves at its debut last year, is back for its second year. To be held April 25 at West Coast Gardens in Surrey, the fundraiser’s goal is to generate $100,000 for Sources Women’s Place. A community-funded centre operated by Sources Community Resources Society (SOURCES) in South Surrey/White Rock, Women’s Place offers free supports and resources to thousands of women in the community. Proceeds from the event will be used to increase the centre’s capacity and offer trauma counselling to more women.

“Women’s Place is like an anchor for women as they feel welcomed and taken care of in a judgement- free environment,” says Corina Carroll, Executive Director at SOURCES. “The goal of events like In Her Shoes is to build a sustainable future for our centre.”

In Her Shoes not only inspires guests with stories of resilience but also offers an evening of fun through fashion, food and lots of shopping. 94.5 Virgin Radio host Nira Arora will return as the emcee for the show. Directed by Fashion Director Jaida Hay and dressed in clothes generously provided by Turnabout Luxury Resale, SOURCES volunteers and clients will walk the runway. There will also be several chef-attended food stations, including The Sushi Lady, and West Coast Gardens will be sending guests off for the evening with take home floral bouquets.

“The response In Her Shoes received from the community last year encouraged us to come back and with a fresh theme, NEW BEGINNINGS,” say Co-chairs Sara Forte and Courtney Robichaud. “We are thankful to our presenting sponsor White Rock Optometry and all other sponsors for believing in our cause.”

Event organizers are urging the public to book their seats fast as only a few tickets remain. For those who can’t make it, SOURCES is running a 50/50 Raffle Draw to generate funds. A silent auction of over 70 items will be live April 15 and all are welcome to participate.

For silent auction, 50/50 and event tickets, visit: Trellis.org/InHerShoes2024.

For more event information, go to SourcesBC.ca/Events/In-Her-Shoes.

Media ContactJanet Welch – Manager, Communications and Philanthropy SOURCES Foundation JWelch@SourcesBC.caAboutThe 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.

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

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

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

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

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.