For students at Strathcona Elementary, Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside can be a challenging place to grow up. More than 80% of children in the DTES are living in poverty.

For some of our students, field trips are the first time they have experienced nature. James joined Strathcona in grade five. Before that, he had not attended school regularly and had moved between several schools. James was navigating an unstable home environment, traumatic events early in childhood, autism, health issues, and the foster care system. School was a challenging environment for him, and it was hard for him to feel settled. When his class took their first field trip, to Whey-ah-wichen Park on the North Shore, James’ teacher had never seen him more relaxed. He spent the day on the beach, mostly sitting on the tall lifeguard chair, gazing out onto the water. He joined other students, finding crabs under rocks, and dug his feet into the sand. James says the ocean helps him feel better. Stories like that of James’ are sadly not uncommon. Despite our proximity to many beaches, we know that many Strathcona kids have sadly never experienced a day at the beach…

The Province of British Columbia has cancelled the $20 million School Affordability Fund, which helped fund field trips, supplies, and waivers for vulnerable students. As a result, Strathcona Elementary has lost over $40,000, which previously supported costs, levelling the playing field for children from the Downtown Eastside. One bus for a field trip is $2,000 - that’s before any entrance fees or food.

The Strathcona Elementary School Parent Advisory Council is composed of parents working to ensure school is a place where, regardless of family circumstances, all students have the tools and support they need to thrive. We are a small but dedicated inner-city PAC that does not have the fundraising capacity of many other Vancouver schools. And our school, in particular, has been hit hard by the loss of the affordability fund. We are asking for your help in raising funds to fill the gap and provide Strathcona students with an enriching experience during their school days.

Please consider donating through SchoolCashOnline to help Strathcona students. All donations over $20 are eligible for an income tax receipt. Please make sure to select Lord Strathcona Elementary PAC when making your donation to school cash.