A hefty donation from a major bank is helping bridge the gap between Surrey’s diverse community and higher education.
On Friday morning (May 3), TD Bank Group announced a $750,000 donation to SFU Surrey’s “community engagement centre,” located at Surrey City Centre Library.
Located on the fourth floor of the state-of-the-art library, the area will be a place where a variety of workshops and courses will be offered, with a mandate to “inspire and positively influence” new Canadians to pursue post-secondary education, while providing a chance for students and staff from SFU to be directly involved in the community.
One of the programs offered at the centre will be Friends of Simon, an initiative that pairs immigrant and refugee students with student tutors from SFU, as well as offering financial literacy workshops and other programs on everything from literature to digital media.
Britney Burrell, 21 (above left), was interested in teaching and heard about the Friends of Simon program about a year-and-a-half ago.
Though she’s now halfway through her training to become a teacher, the experience with the tutoring program has taught her valuable lessons about community involvement. She’s also gained priceless teaching experience and interacted with people she might not otherwise have met.
“I was able to go beyond textbook knowledge and what was required in my classes,” Burrell said. “It really gives you practical experience.”
Claudia Gamboa, 28 (below left), immigrated from Peru six months ago to reunite with her Canadian husband. 
Enrolled in SFU’s digital media program since March, she’s looking forward to more community interaction at the centre.
“It’s amazing how we have all contributed to each others’ learning experiences,” said Gamboa, adding the experience has bolstered her confidence and skills to find work in Canada. “We have so much to learn… and that’s exciting.”
It’s the type of education university students wouldn’t get if they were confined to a classroom, said SFU president Andrew Petter.
“The centre will connect children, adults and local organizations with SFU students, faculty and staff in meaningful ways that will enhance the quality of life for residents of the community.”
Frank McKenna, TD Bank’s deputy chair, commended SFU for coming “down from the mountain” and recognizing the “symbiotic relationship” between educational institutions and communities.
“This is a powerful role for universities,” said McKenna.
