How would you grade Surrey?

Surrey MapFOR the first time ever, Surrey residents are being asked to grade their community through a landmark study called Vital Signs. The survey, at www.surreycares.org, is online through August 7th collecting opinions from citizens that will influence the future of BC’s second largest city.

“We want to know what really matters most,” states Jeff Hector, President, SurreyCares.

“Headlines and statistics are only part of the story. This gives every member of our community a chance to say what they love, hate, and want improved.”

The survey asks about different aspects of life such as crime, health, transportation, youth, education and poverty. The Vital Signs report will provide information to non-profit agencies, donors, government and residents of Surrey for the purpose of better targeting their resources.

“As Surrey grows, we need to stop and think. Vital Signs helps us do that,” explains Hector. “It is kind of like a community report card. It is uncovering where we are today so that we can create the community we want to become.”

The results of the survey and the rest of the Vital Signs report will be released on October 7.

The study is the first project to occur under SurreyCares’ partnership with Simon Fraser University. Through the SurreyCares Non-Profit Leader Award, master’s students from the SFU School of Public Policy are able to assist Surrey non-profit organizations.