CHANGE A LIFE
BC’s Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie, is reacting to a Statistics Canada income survey released last week that tracks the declining income of seniors. The survey shows that the decline is particularly acute in BC relative to other parts of the country. “The most recent income data from Statistics Canada has some really good news for
Wednesday, June 29, over 250 people came out to New Westminster’s Anvil Centre to wish Mervyn Van Steinburg, Director of the Canadian Labour Congress Participation Department at United Way British Columbia a fond farewell as he retired after 30 years of service. Mervyn began working at United Way in 1986 and was instrumental in the
Canada’s 149th birthday is July 1st and people across Metro Vancouver are gearing up to celebrate Canada with a whole lot of community fun! Are you looking for something to do? Grab your favourite red shirt and celebrate at one of these fun events taking place around the Lower Mainland. Canada Day 2016 in
Congratulations to the class of 2016! Twenty-four community leaders have all graduated from United Way’s innovative professional development program, the Public Policy Institute (PPI). Graduates walk away with new knowledge, skills and tools so that they are better able to understand and influence the public policy process. Leaders from a variety of organizations including from
At its 86th Annual General Meeting held June 21, United Way British Columbia welcomed five new board members to the 2016/17 United Way British Columbia Board of Directors. The Board also adopted a Statement of Reconciliation. The United Way British Columbia Statement of Reconciliation outlines commitments to work in partnership with Aboriginal peoples in BC
Today, United Way British Columbia announced that it is investing up to $285,000 over the next three years to build brighter futures for children in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood through United Way Avenues of Change. The announcement was made at Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre as part of their Reconciliation in Action Day. United Way Avenues of Change
As we lead up to National Aboriginal Day, United Way British Columbia is committed to better understanding issues facing Aboriginal peoples in BC and recognize the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. At present, United Way invests nearly $2 million in Aboriginal initiatives. The early childhood program Success By 6 BC invests
Today, June 21st is National Aboriginal Day. United Way British Columbia celebrates our partnership with Aboriginal people in Canada – a partnership based on truth, dignity and mutual respect. As a lead up to National Aboriginal Day, United Way will be tweeting, posting and celebrating the inspiring work that is being done in our communities to support Aboriginal Peoples in BC.
Last week in Kamloops, BC’s Health Minister Terry Lake announced $5 million for the seniors’ program Better at Home managed by United Way British Columbia. “Seniors have told us that it is important that they are able to stay at home for as long as possible and not have to move just because they need
How do you measure community progress and change beyond reporting out on the financial return on investment? Not an easy answer. But last month, 24 students who are attending the 2016 edition of the United Way Public Policy Institute (UWPPI) found out. Andrea Harris, Director of Member and Community Insights for Vancity together with Jeff
The 12th Annual Union Counsellors’ Agency Tour took place Friday, June 3. Twelve union counsellors gained valuable knowledge about community resources that they can now share with fellow union members. The day started at United Way British Columbia’s office in Burnaby. Mervyn Van Steinburg, Director of the CLC Labour Participation Department and Jeff Calbick, Vice
May 24-27 is #AboriginalAwarenessWeek in Canada. United Way British Columbia recognizes the importance of culture, language, self-determination and self-government for Aboriginal peoples in BC and is working with Aboriginal communities to enhance the lives of young Aboriginal children and their families. United Way, through our partnership with the early childhood initiative Success By 6, has dedicated
Because of you, refugees like Zeynab can find their way in a new community. It’s hard to believe what young Nasteha and her mother Zeynab have endured. Zeynab, an Ethiopian refugee, made it to Canada with her five children, but not the sixth. At gunpoint, she was told to leave her newborn daughter, Nasteha
In her day job, 30 year old Oge Anoliefoh is passionate about the environment at Vancouver Airport Authority. In her job as an environmental technician, she is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance in areas such as air quality, water quality, and hazardous materials management Outside of work, she’s passionate about her community environment and is
Each year on and around June 21, communities around the world come together to harness the volunteer spirit and improve the conditions in which they live. Join us for a #DayofAction Day of Action is an opportunity for communities to come together and address the issues that matter most to them. For some, it’s stuffing
Winner 2016 Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex Individual Champion of Mental Health Award Alf is a committed community leader. He is active in many community initiatives that focus on mental health and a passionate volunteer, advocate and supporter of United Way. His many roles include the United Way Co-Chair of the very successful Great-West Life
Like all Canadians, we are heartbroken by the wildfire affecting thousands of residents in Fort McMurray and surrounding communities – and we want to do everything we can to help. From immediate crisis support to long-term rebuilding, United Way will be there on the long road to recovery. You can help support our neighbours in
This week is BC Family Caregiver Week. We know that caring for seniors can be stressful. For anybody who is caring for an elderly family member or friend, or knows someone who is, the 2016 United Way British Columbia Family & Friend Caregivers Information and Resource Handbook is an indispensable resource. This free handbook is
With staff and volunteers spread across communities in Alberta, The United Way of Fort McMurray has launched a campaign to raise funds for the recovery and rebuilding phases of this disaster. Donations are now being accepted at www.unitedforfortmcmurray.ca. By donating to United For Fort McMurray you will be helping tens of thousands of our city’s
Michael McKnight, President and CEO of United Way British Columbia, welcomed nearly 1,200 delegates to United Way’s annual Community Leadership Conference with a Host City Reception at the Vancouver Aquarium presented by United Steelworkers. Steve Hunt, Director, District 3, United Steelworkers said in a statement, “As a global union striving for social justice, we