CHANGE A LIFE
COVID-19 has dramatically changed how seniors go about their daily lives. It’s also changing how United Way partner agencies and those delivering services to seniors work too. “As difficult as COVID-19 has been for all of us, we are witnessing the resilience of seniors and the creativity of the community-based seniors sector shine in so
Food for vulnerable children, families and seniors during COVID-19 means food rescue and food redistribution is more important than ever. Long-time United Way community partner, SOURCES Community Resources in Surrey is building on their expertise to help ensure area residents are getting the support they need. Since June 2019, the SOURCES Food Hub has rescued
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
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
Feeling alone. It’s a hardship many seniors across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley experience daily. Perhaps you know someone—a parent, a grandparent or a friend, who is experiencing this. It becomes especially painful during the holidays for seniors like Sally who don’t have any family close by. That’s why United Way’s Active Aging* programs
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 pm, between 70-90 people from all walks of life gather at the Cloverdale Community Kitchen. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from – dinner is served. The meals not only nourish, they help build community and friendships among everyone who enters from single moms
On a crisp Winter evening recently in the Fraser Valley, the commercial kitchen at the Sardis Community Church was filled with a flurry of activity and a bouquet of aromas. Chef Rim, her 15-year-old daughter Jennifer and her good friend Sand spent an afternoon and early evening preparing a Syrian banquet for local residents and
Hundreds of B.C. youth formerly in government care are receiving money when they need it most, thanks to the Youth Futures Education Fund. This year 811 former youth in care are eligible to receive funds while they pursue their post-secondary education. The funds help them pay for part of their living expenses while they study,
For four hours one Saturday last November, the Vancity community room at The Junction Shopping Centre was buzzing with activity as locals participated in a ‘repair café’, fixing a wide range of items otherwise destined for local landfills. Janet Chalmers, a local resident and member of Building Resilience in Mission, says it all started when a few passionate individuals began discussing the concept of a transition
The health benefits of knitting are many – stress, anxiety, pain and memory loss reduction, and creative fulfilment. Another benefit: community building. Every Monday, Lower Lonsdale’s Knitting Kittens, a group of 12-15 women gather at North Vancouver’s John Braithwaite Community Centre for conversation, friendship and charitable works. “When I came here I was very depressed.
What’s the secret of a long life? For 86-year-old Bernice, it is painting, crocheting and playing ukulele, while 93-year-old Janine credits eating properly – meat, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. And like 74% of seniors over 85 they are living in their own homes. Like a growing number of Richmond citizens, these women are at the
Over 350 advocates are set to descend in at the Provincial Summit on Aging November 6 to 8, hosted by Healthy Aging by United Way and the Community-Based Seniors’ Service Leadership Council. The second biennial summit will bring together leaders from local organizations, older adults, family and friend caregivers, academia and government. The diverse group
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.
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in the spring of 2013. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away from her on her first day
Who doesn’t love a block party? They’re fun, simple, inexpensive, and a great way to get to know your neighbours! That’s precisely why residents of the Clayton Heights neighbourhood in Surrey took to the streets this weekend, for the area’s first Block Party Day. The more the merrier What helped make this weekend such a
Have you ever heard of “community care?” Earlier this year, an article on Mashable.com made waves among progressive do-gooders and community builders. In it, author Heather Dockray makes the provocative case that when trying to overcome burnout, relying on self-care may not be as helpful as it seems. She advocates for community care instead. What is community
People will soon have easier and more affordable access to menstrual products with the launch of the United Way Period Promise Research Project. With the support of a $95,000 government grant, the project will distribute menstrual products to 15 non-profit agencies across B.C., who will make them easily accessible to their clients. Research that breaks
Congratulations to the class of 2019! Twenty-one changemakers from the non-profit sector in B.C. have all just graduated from this year’s United Way Public Policy Institute (PPI). The Institute is a professional development program designed to help leaders from the non-profit sector create lasting social change. Through PPI participants to deepen their understanding of public
Active. Independent. Engaged. That’s how most of us want to live our lives, but for seniors with hearing loss it can be challenging. Anyone who has experienced a family member or friend with this impairment, especially in a social setting like a family gathering, knows just how isolating it can be. So, it’s no surprise