CHANGE A LIFE
When COVID hit, there was a lot of fear, there was a lot of isolation. People lost their jobs; people lost their food security, and people lost their ability to connect with each other. For a community to be great, it needs to be great for everyone, so we worked quickly to pivot, develop and adapt our programs. During the
COVID-19 had a tremendous impact on our mental well-being. Almost two-thirds of 15 to 24-year-olds reported that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health. 41% were likely to report symptoms consistent with moderate or severe anxiety.* We know there is a crisis in our communities surrounding substance abuse. United Way British Columbia looks to partner with organizations and
“How are we changing lives?” This is the question that Chilliwack Healthier Community (CHC) has been trying to answer since its inception in 2010. Chilliwack Healthier Community (CHC) is a network for over 45 stakeholders in government, non-profit, private and volunteer sectors with the mission to address Chilliwack’s most complex issues which include housing,
Thanksgiving may be over, but it’s no time to stop giving thanks – or giving back – to your neighbours. Your community needs your local love now more than ever. During the time of COVID, food security remains the number one issue facing our community and it is one way we are giving back to those in need. Over
Our most vulnerable and isolated citizens, those who were already struggling before the pandemic struck, have been hard hit by the global crisis: facing unforeseen job losses, food scarcity and increasing mental health issues. On top of that, many others are finding themselves newly vulnerable too. One in five local residents don’t know a neighbour well enough
It’s Labour Day. In any other year, many of us would be planning gatherings with friends, sharing hugs and food, and enjoying the final stretch of another beautiful BC summer. Someone may say, “Hey, why do we get a day off for Labour Day anyway?” Normally local Labour Councils would be hosting events in parks around the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley to help us answer that question, but this
How does a group of Canadian newcomers shift from reading about food waste to feeding 2,500 neighbours each month? It takes five years of dedication, 365 days a year and includes 15 distribution sites, 8 participating grocery stores and 75 volunteers, including 35 drivers – from over 15 countries – to serve over 30 different families daily. The Immigrant Link Centre Society is the
In 2020, celebrating multiculturalism is more important than ever. Here at United Way British Columbia, we work every day to honour, discover and appreciate our multicultural communities. In celebration of Multiculturalism Day, we’re sharing how some of our friends and neighbours across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are making our world a better place for everyone. “We are
Before the global pandemic, thousands of students across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley trusted school meal programs as a dependable and necessary source of daily nourishment. Mandated school closures to curb the spread of COVID-19 meant schools needed to quickly adapt their programs to answer to escalating needs, not just from students but their
For new United Way British Columbia volunteer Edmond Law, being on the ground helping was an eye-opening experience into how COVID-19 is impacting people’s lives. Edmond helped greet people and ensure social distancing among community members at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House when they recently provided hot lunches and distributed food hampers. “There are many vulnerable people who
Before COVID-19, the street outside Collingwood Neighbourhood House in East Vancouver was bustling, with lots of foot traffic going past the building all day, every day. Inside, the space was an active hive, with chatter in a multitude of different languages, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi, Punjabi, Vietnamese and Japanese. Visitors would comment on the vibrancy, diversity and buzz of the Neighbourhood House. These days, it’s just a sparkling clean, quiet
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 means physical distancing, which can leave people isolated and lonely. That’s why acts of local love and kindness are becoming more important than ever. And having a huge impact on the lives of vulnerable people. Across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, a simple postcard is making a big difference
It starts with a glimmer. An idea so rich in potential, you break out in goosebumps. Your emerging idea has the potential to create positive change for vulnerable people in your community. Maybe you want to improve transit, housing, child care, or access to other essential services. Over time, your vision begins to take shape
On October 8 a crowd of community champions gathered at the Woodward’s building in Gastown for Better Together by United Way. Better Together was an event designed by donors, for donors. After consulting with United Way supporters earlier this year, event organizers heard there was demand for something simple, with major impact. There was a call to
According to new research released today by United Way British Columbia, almost half (46%) of British Columbians say they sometimes feel lonely – but there is an upside. The same poll also found that giving back as part of a group, whether you donate time or money, makes us feel better than doing it alone.
Soccer helps create community The empty, lush grass field of Burke Mountain’s Victoria Park left Robert Birungi wondering who owned it. In his native Uganda, he says only the very wealthy could own or afford to play on grounds like this. “I asked my wife are we allowed to use this,” Robert says. “She said
On Tuesday June 18, 2019 United Way British Columbia held its 89th Annual General Meeting. The gathering was a chance to reflect on the progress made since adopting our 2018-2023 Strategic Plan. In just one year, we’ve implemented many innovative approaches to live our new mission: serving the needs of our local communities, while igniting
Take a walk along Spirit Trail near Bewicke Park in Lower Lonsdale around 6 PM most week nights and you’ll probably see Kaylana and her friends, ages 5-14, out training on the water. They’re the Lil’ Geese or ḵ’émḵ’emay, part of the Squamish Nation’s North Vancouver Canoe Club youth squad. This innovative war canoeing program
When Laurie Brondgeest was a little girl, fresh fruits and veggies were just steps away in her family’s backyard garden. “I remember being with my dad, picking the carrots,” she says. “We’d just brush the dirt off and start eating them. It’s such a fond memory.” But as Laurie explains, home-grown carrots provide more than
With the installation of several little libraries in Clayton Heights, residents of this Surrey neighborhood are writing a new story about their fast-growing community. On Family Day, February 18, Clayton Heights residents and staff from United Way British Columbia gathered at Katzie Elementary School to celebrate the launch of 7 little libraries in the neighbourhood.