A fundraising event dedicated to removing educational barriers for youth is coming back to Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) on Sept. 28.
Ignite a Dream is an annual cocktail social hosted by the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society at KPU Tech in Cloverdale. Funds raised from the event go toward awards for graduating high school students in Surrey who have overcome adversity in their lives to pursue a post-secondary education at KPU.
The elegant evening will feature wine and craft beer tastings, a photo booth, a silent auction and culinary treats from TAP Restaurant, The Boathouse, Chez Christophe and more.
Dylan Van Rooyen, vice-president of the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society, says the event brings the community together for an evening dedicated to supporting the youth and our future.
“Many students have told us that without this bursary, they wouldn’t have continued their education and would have gone down a different path,” he says. “But to hear that we have altered that and given them the opportunity to excel in a field that they’re interested in is special to us as firefighters.”
Samantha Krilow, a past recipient, says the award gave her the opportunity to pursue her passion at KPU.
“Winning this award reinvigorated my passion for creative writing and helped me begin establishing myself as an Indigenous writer,” she says. “It inspired me to take more risks and leaps of faith during my educational journey, knowing I had the resiliency to move forward and persevere no matter what life throws at me.”
More than $250,000 has been raised through the fundraiser to date.
Steve Lewarne, executive director of KPU’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, says Ignite a Dream has had a significant impact on paving the path for many students.
“Ignite a Dream continues to provide students with equitable opportunities to pursue a higher education,” says Lewarne. “We’re extremely grateful to the community and the firefighters for their dedication to Surrey’s youth.”
Last year’s sponsors that are pledging their support once again include the Gary and Gail Grelish Foundation, Scotiabank, Save-On-Foods, the Surrey Now-Leader and KIS Consulting.
The event will be held on Saturday Sept. 28 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. at KPU Tech, 5500 180 St., Surrey. Tickets are $60 each or 10 for $500 and can be purchased on the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association website.