VERNON – New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu says families who are struggling with expenses for school activities will be receiving more support from their school districts. 

“When our kids are supported in the classroom, our community is strengthened.” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “I’m glad that our government is providing funding for schools to help pay for resources and extracurricular activities for students, so they can learn, play and grow and families can keep more money in their pockets. As a parent, I understand that extracurricular activities are important for children’s physical and mental well being, and help children to explore their hidden talents. However, we know that some parents cannot afford to pay to enroll their children in extracurricular activities, therefore our government is stepping in to support.”” 

The Vernon School District is receiving $260,000 from the province to help schools provide support directly to families. 

Funding will help pay for student necessities, such as school supplies, school fees and class trips, as well as additional costs associated with joining a school sports team or music program. 

The support comes from the Student and Family Affordability Fund, which is being replenished with an additional $20 million this spring. More than $60 million has been provided to school districts provided through this program over the past two years. 

This is on top of the largest investment in school food programs in the province’s history. The Feeding Futures Fund has dedicated $214 million over three years to create and expand local school food programs.   

The Vernon School District received $1,079,115 from the province for food programs during this school year. 

Learn More: 

Student and Family Affordability Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024ECC0013-000293 

Feeding Futures Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023ECC0020-000424