KidsPlay Foundation Uses Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund to Provide Essentials and Mental Health Support

After the devastating floods ravaged Sumas Prairie in November 2021, the University of the Fraser Valley, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, and the Abbotsford Community Foundation joined forces to help those most impacted. The Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund (ADRF) was established two days after the flooding to support front-line agencies providing essential services and local farming businesses. KidsPlay Foundation was one of those agencies that received funding for their work with flood victims. 
KidsPlay Foundation is a non-profit organization working towards keeping kids away from the lifestyle of drugs, gangs, and violence. The organization holds sports tournaments, conferences, and other projects for the youth community to learn about the opportunities they can seize within life. The organization is operated by leaders from all across the Lower Mainland wanting to bring a positive change within the community. KidsPlay believes their work will allow the youth to discover the potential they have within themselves to reach greater heights in any aspect of life.

Using the funds provided to them, their team has been helping with relief efforts by offering essentials and mental health support to those impacted. Their counsellors travel to those affected to practice in-person group therapy and individual therapy while also offering support via helplines monitored by well-trained volunteers. They have also been supplying care packages with non-perishable food items, warm clothing, toiletries, and necessities.


According to KidsPlay Foundation, they continue to see that mental health support needs are on the rise. They believe that it is more imperative than ever before to support mental health along with physical health. For many individuals who the floods have displaced, a sudden change to an ongoing lifestyle was mentally draining and traumatic, given the circumstances. Sumas Prairie residents have had to relocate after losing or sustaining significant damage to their homes. Counselling can be expensive and often difficult to access for those recovering from a disastrous event. KidsPlay Foundation continues to build its counselling program to provide relief to as many vulnerable residents as possible. They see that providing immediate relief fosters a sense of safety and trust in the community. With this funding, they have been providing much-needed support and instilled faith in the Abbotsford community, allowing their organization to build good rapport to provide long-time support. 

After reviewing the impacts of this funding, KidsPlay Foundation estimates they supported over 173 impacted residents in person while supporting another 355 residents virtually. These numbers continue to rise as they continue to provide ongoing support. We are so thankful to organizations like KidsPlay Foundation, who continue to support those impacted by the devastating events and the thousands of generous donors who supported the ADRF. 
To learn more about KidsPlay Foundation and their services, click here.
To learn more about the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund, click here.