SAY Thanks Surrey is a local non-profit campaign started by a group of Semiahmoo and Southridge high school students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to express gratitude to the healthcare and essential workers who are on the frontline.

For each donation of $15 or more, people receive a yard sign for their lawn that shows appreciation for the workers.

All donations go to Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary or Surrey Memorial Hospital COVID Response Fund.

“We believe the initiative will help build community spirit and create a feeling of solidarity in the current times of uncertainty. Since our launch, we have raised $1000+ for the campaign,” Ethan Wang told this newspaper.

“With everything going on in the world in addition to the pandemic, we hope to remind our community once more of the selfless work that these workers are doing every single day.”

He added: “We are in a partnership with Safeway. There is a Say Thanks Surrey booth at the entrance of Safeway Peninsula, where people could pick up a sign for free or make a voluntary donation.” 

“We ask for a minimum of $15 donation for a yard sign. Signs will be delivered for free to donators. Right now, we aim to deliver our sign with bikes throughout South Surrey to lower carbon emissions, making this an eco-friendly project as well. Normally it will take 2-4 days for the sign to be delivered or it can be picked up at the address of 3038 167B Street, Surrey,” said Wang. 

The leaders of the organization are Gary Xie and Lisa Xie, graduates of local high schools. The organization is not affiliated with any political organization.

The website to order their sign: https://www.saythankssurrey.ca/order-your-sign

Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/saythankssurrey/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/saythankssurrey