Surrey and White Rock’s business leaders came together at the annual Seasonal Sizzle event on December 4, 2025, raising $8,251 and 431 pounds of food for the Surrey Food Bank. This gathering at Surrey City Hall drew over 600 attendees, showing strong community support amid rising living costs.
Event Draws Record Crowd
More than 600 business professionals packed Surrey City Hall for the Seasonal Sizzle Business Reception. The event, hosted by the Surrey and White Rock Board of Trade, featured a vintage holiday theme with retro decor, live music, and networking opportunities.
Attendees donated cash and food items instead of paying admission fees. Sponsors like Envision Financial and ThoughtsWin Systems backed the night, helping turn fun into real help for families in need.
This year’s turnout highlights growing business involvement in local charity work. Leaders like Joslyn Young, the board’s CEO, praised the generosity that supports essential food access during tough economic times.
Donations Boost Food Bank Efforts
The funds and food collected will aid the Surrey Food Bank, which serves thousands in the region. Partnering with The Full Cupboard, the event focused on providing meals to those hit hard by inflation.
Food bank officials noted that demand has surged, with more families seeking help than ever. Recent reports show the bank distributed over 200,000 pounds of food in a single month earlier this year, up sharply from last year.
Here are key highlights from the donations:
- Cash raised: $8,251
- Food collected: 431 pounds
- Attendees: Over 600
- Main partners: Envision Financial, ThoughtsWin Systems, and The Full Cupboard
These contributions come at a critical time, as community surveys reveal widespread worry about affording food during the holidays.
Comparison to Past Years
Last year’s Seasonal Sizzle event set a high bar, raising $10,800 and over 700 pounds of food. While this year’s cash total is slightly lower, the focus on non-perishable items helped meet urgent needs.
Organizers point to economic pressures as a factor, yet participation grew. Similar events in the area, like the White Rock Christmas festival and community dinners, also emphasize food support.
| Year | Cash Raised | Food Donated (lbs) | Attendees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10,800 | 700+ | 500+ |
| 2025 | $8,251 | 431 | 600+ |
This table shows the event’s consistent impact, even as challenges like higher living costs affect giving patterns.
Broader trends in British Columbia reveal food banks facing record demand. A recent partnership between Surrey and Simon Fraser University on agri-tech could help long-term food security, tying into community efforts like this one.
Broader Community Support
Beyond the event, Surrey and White Rock have ramped up charity drives. A local shopping center raised nearly $8,000 for the food bank in a past shredding event, while holiday markets and senior community openings add to the spirit of giving.
Volunteers and donors are stepping up for related causes, such as Christmas Day dinners open to all. These initiatives reflect a united front against hunger, especially with projections of rising need into 2026.
Food bank leaders stress that every donation counts, from formula and diapers to fresh produce programs. With winter setting in, these efforts provide warmth and hope to struggling neighbors.
Looking Ahead and How to Help
As the holiday season continues, events like Seasonal Sizzle inspire ongoing support. The Surrey Food Bank plans more drives, including partnerships with local news outlets offering gift cards for donations.
Experts predict sustained demand due to economic factors, making community involvement key. Businesses and residents can build on this momentum for a stronger region.
Share this story if it moved you, and comment below on your own charity experiences. Your thoughts could spark more action in Surrey and White Rock.
