An annual fundraising event supporting students who have overcome adversity returns to KPU Tech in Cloverdale on Sept. 23.
Ignite a Dream is a cocktail social presented by the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society. Funds raised support awards for graduating high school students in Surrey who have overcome significant challenges to pursue a post-secondary education at KPU.
“Ignite a Dream aims to remove barriers to education for children in Surrey by changing lives and inspiring recipients to become valued and contributing citizens who are agents of social change,” says Joel Neufeld, event chair. “Thanks to generous community support, we are now helping more students than ever before.”
The event, a partnership between the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and KPU, will transform the main floor of the modern university campus to an elegant space offering wine tastings, local craft beer, food, music, and a silent auction.
For the 2023/24 year, 10 students in need will receive awards of $4,500 thanks to Ignite a Dream. An additional $1,400 endowment award will also be presented to a deserving student.
Since the inception of Ignite a Dream, 78 awards, valued at a total of $172,240, have been distributed through the KPU Foundation.
Steve Lewarne, executive director of KPU’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, says Ignite a Dream is made possible by the generosity of the community, event partners, and the unwavering commitment of the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society.
“Ignite a Dream is continuing its mission to support the dreams of Surrey youth, made possible by amazing community support. We are extremely grateful to everyone donating to this cause, and for the firefighters whose passion and hard work are making a tangible difference in the lives of young people by removing barriers and igniting dreams,” says Lewarne.
Supporting this year’s event, as the presenting sponsor, is the Gary and Gail Grelish Foundation, which has pledged to match donations up to $30,000. Other sponsors supporting the event include Scotiabank, Save-On-Foods, the Surrey Now-Leader, and KIS Consulting.
To be eligible for an Ignite a Dream award, students must be graduating from Surrey School District, have overcome adversity, and have extreme financial need.
The Ignite a Dream social, on Saturday, Sept. 23, runs 7 to 10 p.m. at KPU Tech, 5500 180 St., Surrey. Tickets are $60 each or 10 for $500. For tickets visit the Surrey Fire Fighters Association website.
