CHANGE A LIFE
When it comes to a strong commitment to its community, McMillan is pitch perfect. The international business law firm based in downtown Vancouver is a long-time champion of the United Way, and since 2015 has supported local youth through its Corners for Kids program with the Vancouver Whitecaps. “For every ‘Caps corner kick at home,
United Way is thrilled to have Scotiabank returning as title sponsor of this year’s Spirit Awards event taking place on Wednesday, February 28th. Seventeen years ago, Scotiabank first signed on as the title sponsor for the annual Scotiabank and United Way Community Spirit Awards. Their continued support has allowed us to celebrate the efforts of
Nubia is the mother to two beautiful children – Kenneth who is eleven months, and Mikaela who is almost three. Originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, North Vancouver has been her home for the past six years. The biggest difference between the North Shore and her home city? “It’s much smaller,” she laughs. “But there are
Leifang faced a number of challenges when she arrived in Richmond as a new immigrant. She didn’t speak any English and had difficulty navigating the different technology she needed to keep in touch with her family back home in China. As an older adult in a rapidly aging society, she was not alone. In an
Diversity, inclusion, celebration, love – these are the elements that define our communities and neighbourhoods. They make our cities vibrant and beautiful. They provide strength to us all, no matter our age, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. This Family Day, however you define your family, you too can be a champion of
When we build better workplaces, we build better communities. This is why for the past 44 years, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has hosted an annual Winter School for union members from across British Columbia and the Yukon. Courses offered explore critical issues relevant to today’s workplace and political climate, including increasing the number of
Twenty-five non-profit leaders from across the province are heading back to school. Each is participating in the eighth annual session of United Way’s Public Policy Institute (PPI). Sessions are open to organizations that are involved in social or health related services from all regions of the province. This leadership program supports participants, and the organizations
Happy 2018! For almost 85 years, we have worked with generous donors, dedicated organizations, and incredible volunteers to create a community that is inclusive, diverse, and supportive of everyone, no matter where they live or where they’re from. United Way is the backbone of an area-wide network of community partner agencies, effecting positive, long-term change,
The holidays are a special time for family and friends to come together and enjoy each other’s love and company. However, this time of year can be lonely and hard, especially for isolated seniors. Here in the Lower Mainland 1 in 5 seniors reports feeling alone and over 25,000 say they have no one to talk
This week, we bid farewell and thank our energetic and passionate group of 31 Campaign Associates. Every year, local companies, organizations and unions generously sponsor or loan individuals to help United Way raise millions of dollars to help those most in need. Campaign Associates are essential to the on-going success of our organization. They help
For 38 years, United Way and Labour have worked together to improve lives and build strong, active, inclusive, and healthy communities. Behind the achievements of this partnership are people who dedicate their lives and careers to advocating for social change. Three outstanding community and labour champions were recognized at the 24th Annual Labour Appreciation Night
When we work together, amazing things are possible. Working together makes strong communities. Today at the 2017 Community Partner Awards Lunch, United Way British Columbia celebrated another year of amazing things, recognizing its important, impactful and inspiring community partnerships in the cities and neighbourhoods we are honoured to call home. Keynote speaker Alia Sunderji, SFU
If all the children in B.C. who live in poverty were gathered together, they would form B.C.’s fifth-largest city with a population of 153,300. That city would be disproportionately populated with First Nations kids, visible minorities, recent immigrants and children of single parents, according to a newly released BC Child Poverty Report Card by the
We’re so excited, and we just can’t hide it! On November 28 we are celebrating Giving (Props) Tuesday. That’s right – this year, we’re putting a new spin on Giving Tuesday. We’re using the day to just to say thanks and share kudos – to give “props”, if you will. It’s Giving (Props) Tuesday! It’s a
Traditionally, a business’s success has been defined by money: how much it’s making; how much it’s investing; how much is being used to expand operations and roles. But as we move into an age focused less on the bottom line, and more on social responsibility and sustainability, our definition of success is shifting. Increasingly, we
Residents of East Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood face many challenges, including poverty, access to affordable housing and high childhood vulnerability rates. Linda Day, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Mothers Centre Society (AMCS) sees in particular how these issues affect Aboriginal mothers and their children living in the area. “There are many challenges facing Aboriginal women
It’s a fact: across Canada, individuals over the age of 85 now outnumber those under 15. And we’re living longer: there are now more than 8,000 centenarians in Canada. For British Columbians of all ages, these statistics serve as an important reminder that the overall wellness of our seniors must remain a top priority, especially
98% of seniors living in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley say their quality of life is “good” or “very good” – if they attend community-based programs. Seniors participating in these activities show a higher level of satisfaction with their quality of life and social interactions than those who do not, a new poll by
Gloria loves helping her neighbours in Burnaby – so much so, that in 2010, she was the recipient of the City of Burnaby’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ award. While she has spent a lifetime giving back to her community, she now finds herself on the receiving end. “I do have mobility problems now,” says
Seven unions and 11 maritime organizations from the regions’ working waterfront have united together to raise funds for United Way. Over the past four years, Waterfront United has raised $2.28 million to provide a safe harbour to children, families and seniors in need across the Lower Mainland. Walter Gerlach, IAMAW – Northwest District 250, Bob