FVRCF Adds Bursary Program to Charitable Giving

In just two short years since launching, the Fraser Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (FVRCF) has granted $530,000 to charities that support at-risk and vulnerable youth throughout the Fraser Valley region. Earlier this year, the Foundation granted an additional $55,000 through a newly established school bursary program.

The bursary program was piloted in 2024 among high schools, learning centres and alternative schools throughout school districts in Surrey, Delta, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission. The program provided a $1,000 bursary for each participating public secondary school, to be awarded to a graduating student, identified by with each school’s guidance counsellor as being vulnerable, at-risk and/or marginalized and who demonstrated financial need.

“Education is a transformative tool, and we believe that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their full potential,” said FVRCF Chair, John Barbisan. “Through this program, we seek to empower these students to overcome financial hardships and pursue their educational goals with confidence.”

Education Inspires Belief

In total 55 students from the Class of 2024 received a bursary, including 28 Surrey schools, 11 in Langley, 8 in Abbotsford, 6 in North Delta, and 2 in Mission. To offset costs, the FVRCF called on REALTORS® from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board to ‘sponsor’ a bursary at a school of their choice in exchange for their $1,000 donation to the Foundation, raising $28,000 for the program from individual REALTORS®.

“These bursaries can make all the difference, providing vulnerable students with opportunities that they may not otherwise have thought were possible,” said Laurie Larsen, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education. “The funds help close the gap so that students who are looking to pursue post-secondary education or training can do so, allowing them to follow their dreams and aspirations.”

“This bursary is not just a financial aid, but a beacon of hope and encouragement for students who often face unique challenges in pursuing their education,” said Tom Nguyen, Principal of Fraserview Learning Centre in Mission. “The FVRCF’s belief in their potential and dedication to investing in their future is truly inspiring. This bursary represents a lifeline – a chance for youth to break barriers, overcome obstacles, and strive for excellence. It also reaffirms their belief in themselves and reminds everyone that with hard work and support, anything is possible.”

To donate to the Fraser Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation or to learn more about the Bursary Program, visit www.fvrcf.ca.