SURREY Archives is inviting community submissions to help document the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Surrey’s communities and the day-to-day lives of residents.

This acquisition campaign will capture the Surrey experience amid the evolving health crisis so that these experiences can be preserved and shared with future generations. 

“We are living in an historical moment with unprecedented challenges, but also one that has shown incredible generosity and solidarity as we come together from a safe distance,” said Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum. “In the future, we will want to reflect on this time that has impacted all of us. We need photos, videos and journals to help us do that. I encourage residents to help us gather these items and take part in this initiative.”

Items that document Surrey’s communities and the everyday experiences of residents are encouraged for donation, such as images of a family’s activities in isolation, social distancing, closed civic facilities, parks and schools, videos of salutes to healthcare and frontline workers, and written or recorded personal reflections. Submissions can include photographs, letters, diaries, videos, audio recordings and more.

“We must capture this information while we can,” said McCallum. “Thanks to technology, this can be done with just the click of a button.”

Anyone wishing to participate in the campaign can get started by visiting surrey.ca/archives or calling 604-502-6459 to speak to an archivist. Digital materials can be uploaded through a secure link. Alternate arrangements can be made for physical submissions. All submitted records will be reviewed by Surrey Archives staff to ensure they meet the goals of the acquisition campaign and the overall collection policy.