Families struggling with rising costs of living, never mind school supplies and extracurricular activities, are going to get a bit of a break.
The Chilliwack School District is set to receive $345,000 from the province from the $20 million earmarked for 2024 from the Student and Family Affordability Fund.
Chilliwack MLA Dan Coulter and Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon say this direct funding support to school districts is going to help take the pressure off of families.
“Kids thrive when they are supported,” said Chilliwack MLA Dan Coulter. “This funding will allow more youth to participate in extracurricular activities that can be so important in shaping who we are later in life.”
Funding will help pay for student necessities, such as school supplies, school fees and class trips, as well as costs of joining a school sports team or music program.
“Kids should never be denied the opportunity to explore their passions, whether inside the classroom or outside of it,” added Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon. “With the support of this funding, more students in Chilliwack-Kent are going to be able to try new things, get active, and get creative, without families having to worry about what it will cost.”
This year’s replenishing of $20 million to the affordability fund by the provincial NDP government, 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.
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