For some time now, Delview Secondary has provided an opportunity for students to prove that they are some of the most compassionate young people in the province, and it continued its efforts earlier this October at Delview’s 17th annual Thanks 4 Giving.
The canned food drive supports both Deltassist and the Surrey Food Bank, reaching out to people who live in poverty from both communities. It enables students to help those in need, and it allows others to get involved as well; because it is a food drive, anyone living in Delta can help without ever leaving their home. Every single can or other non-perishable food item is greatly appreciated, so even someone who is suffering the negative effects of the economy’s downfall can participate.
Since Thanks 4 Giving’s debut in 1992, then known as Ten in One, students have successfully collected over 10,000 cans each year. In 2007, the record was broken, as canvassers brought back over 14,000 food items. Delview set another record last year, reaching an incredible total of 16,155.
This year, students collected their second highest total ever, donating over 14,500 food items and more than $1000 in cash. A big thanks goes out to the Surrey Volunteer Fire Department, who wrote a $500 check in support of Delview’s cause.
Perhaps the most important statistic, however, is the number of students participating. Delview is a small school, but over two thirds of its student population helped out, either by canvassing or working tirelessly behind the scenes. Even former students came back to help out. Next year, Delview expects to see much the same, and students hope to set a new record for cans collected.
