You made a difference!
As 2026 progresses, we’re taking time to look back on the past year and all that we’ve accomplished together. 2025 was a meaningful year, filled with growth, challenges, and many stories that remind us why this work matters.
We are truly grateful to everyone who supported us. Your generosity made a real difference and helped us continue serving individuals and families in our community.
As we move forward, we carry these experiences with us and remain committed to building on what we started. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Donations Highlights
A special thanks to:
Surrey Homelessness & Housing Society
Surrey Firefighters Charitable Society
Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation
Surrey Homelessness & Housing Society has provided a $50,000 grant to support the pre-development work for our upcoming affordable housing project in Surrey. This project will include a 65-unit apartment building with multiple two- and three-bedroom homes, offering safe and stable housing for women and children fleeing violence.
Ginny Hasselfield (left), Director of Development of Options Community Services, receiving the cheque from Pardeep Kooner (right), Surrey City Councilor and Surrey Homelessness Housing Society
Surrey Firefighters Charitable Society has committed to supporting local families in need by announcing a three-year pledge of $30,000. We are in creditably grateful and honored that this amazing team is partnering with us to help strengthen programs that empower families. Housing is vital need or all!
Brittany Atkinson (middle), Program Manager of Options Community Services, receiving the cheque from Surrey Firefighters Charitable Society
Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation generously contributed $15,000 to our STARR summer camps. STARR is a group-based, out-of-school program that facilitates recreational and leadership activities resulting in: increased self-esteem, improved connection with school, and strengthen positive relationship.
Tammy Dyer (middle), Executive Director of Options Community Services, receiving the cheque from Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation
In addition, an anonymous donor has donated $120,000 for our Multi-cultural Early Years Services Program.
Community Impact Highlights
High Fashion and High Tea
On Sunday, October 5th, 2025, we hosted a special afternoon of High Fashion & High Tea in support of our next affordable housing project. Our wonderful guests, donors, and sponsors enjoyed a vibrant fashion show blending South Asian and Western influences, featuring stunning contemporary designs by the fabulous Sandeep Chohan of Art of Thread and Davi Bains-Gill of Armaan.
It was a truly beautiful day dedicated to a vital community cause, changing lives and Building Hope. Funds raised from this event was directly supported the second affordable housing build by Options Community Services and Habitat Housing Society.
A special thanks to the wonderful sponsors that made this event happen:
Schmunk Gatt Smith
Fortis BC
Skye Avenue-Kitchen & Lounge
The Feminine Fellowship Outreach Society
Art of Thread
Armaan DBG
Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade
ICONS Media
Entertainment Magazine
Surrey NOW-Leader
Drishti
Guests attending at the High Fashion & High Tea Gala
Models from Art of Thread performing at the High Fashion & High Tea Gala
Models from Armaan DBG performing at the High Fashion & High Tea Gala
Partnership with Canadian Tire
The Canadian Tire store in Newton have generously offered to provide 18 Halloween costumes to children in our transition house and to feed 50 homeless people at thanksgiving but we could not do it due to time constraints this year. In addition, Canadian Tire generously donated $6,000 donation in tools and equipment for Option’s maintenance van.
Carmen Hall (second from the left), Director of Homelessness and Housing and Ginny Hasselfield (middle), Director of Development Options Community Services, receiving tools and equipment from the Canadian Tire (Newton Store)
Holiday Giving – Supporting Families in Need
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, we raised over $20,000 for our Christmas Fund this past holiday season. These funds supported a range of vital programs, including the Moving Ahead Program, Settlement Integration Program, Special Services to Children & Their Families, and residents of Evergreen and Virginia Sam Transition Houses. Together, we helped ensure that individuals and families experienced comfort, connection, and care during the holidays.
Bringing Joy to Afghan Families
With the generous support of Anoop Khosla and contributions totaling $10,000, we were able to bring holiday joy to 72 children and adults from Afghan families in our community. Through festive meals and gift cards, families were able to celebrate the season with dignity and warmth.
A warm holiday setting with festive decorations and prepared meals, symbolizing the dignity and support made possible for Afghan community members during the season.
A Special Holiday Brunch for Refugee Families
We are deeply grateful to Skye Avenue – Kitchen and Lounge, and to Kiran and Garry Sangha, for hosting a heartfelt holiday brunch in January 2026. Eighty-four refugees, including 44 children and 40 parents, were treated to a delicious meal and thoughtfully prepared gifts. This meaningful gesture created a memorable experience for families, and we are excited that Skye Avenue plans to continue this tradition annually.
Ginny Hasselfield (middle), Director of Development and Iris Solorzano (second from the right), Program Manager of Options Community Services at Skye Avenue-Kitchen and Lounge for the holiday brunch.
These moments of triumph and unity remind us of the meaningful impact we can create when we come together with purpose and compassion. Looking ahead, I’m excited for all that we can accomplish together in 2026 for our community!