CHANGE A LIFE
stories, news, and other happenings in our community
As 2015 comes to a close, we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible support from individuals, organizations and communities across the Lower Mainland. Together, we’ve helped move families from poverty to possibility, we’ve inspired kids to be all they can be and we’ve helped build strong communities for all. Here’s a round up of some of the most memorable tweets
Sometimes it’s tough to be a kid, especially when your parent’s are struggling to make ends meet. They can be too busy working or too tired to take care of you. In some Lower Mainland neighbourhoods, and especially in single parent households, up to 50% of kids live in low-income situations. This affects their health
A group of students from Burnaby’s Byrne Creek Secondary school will be wrapping presents to raise funds for United Way. They will be wrapping gifts at 1121 Robson Street (in front of The Gap) in downtown Vancouver
Today is graduation day for 38 individuals with big personalities and big hearts. 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. These individuals are called Campaign Associates. Campaign Associates have a huge impact. Individually, each Campaign Associate
A comprehensive report published today by United Way British Columbia breaks down population, economic and social statistics in 14 Richmond neighbourhoods. Data is compared to Burnaby, Surrey, Vancouver, and Metro Vancouver in the report. United Way’s Richmond Community Profile shows that Richmond’s population has grown by 50% over the past two decades growing from 126,624
photo credit: European Commission DG ECHO While getting together with friends and family is reason enough to celebrate, you can add a heartwarming purpose: help our newly arriving Syrian refugees get a great start in their new home. United Way British Columbia has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to help the Syrian refugees who are
For 15 years, Muoi Ly has brightened the lives of Downtown Eastside seniors cooking at the Downtown Eastside Seniors Centre. Her smile and attention to detail make seniors feel welcome at the Centre everyday. In 1980, Linda Minamimaya started as a volunteer with the Youth Search Program at the Association of Neighbourhood Houses. Now 35
“What we do together is not charity, it’s solidarity. Every person deserves a decent life,” said Jim Sinclair, one of three Lower Mainland Labour leaders and activists honoured last night for their outstanding community service at the 22nd Annual Labour Appreciation Night. The event was hosted by United Way British Columbia, the Vancouver and District
How do you inspire change? You lead by example. United Way Pacesetters set a standard for leadership and community support by making an early commitment to United Way. Their generosity is helping bring lasting, positive change to the lives of children, families and seniors living right here in the Lower Mainland. Together we are helping
Pacific Blue Cross presents 22nd Annual Labour Appreciation Night, Dec. 3 The 22nd Annual Labour Appreciation Night hosted by United Way British Columbia, the Vancouver and District Labour Council and the New Westminster and District Labour Council will take place on Thursday, December 3. The event, sponsored by Pacific Blue Cross, acknowledges the many contributions
Think back to some of the most important and defining moments in your life. Maybe it was graduation, or getting that first real job. Maybe it was the moment you vowed “I do,” or the day you welcomed a newborn into your world. Maybe, even, it was the time the doctor called, or the day
In 2014, 22 engineering firms in the Lower Mainland organized fundraising campaigns and raised over $650,000 behalf of United Way British Columbia. The engineering community tirelessly gives back where they live and work from monetary support to volunteer time. With leadership from Keith Stein (Vice-President Project Development, Teck Resources Limited), Duane Gingrich (President, Mining &
November 13th is World Kindness Day, a global 24-hour celebration dedicated to paying-it-forward and focusing on the good each of us can do through simple acts of kindness. Taking time to say hello to a neighbour, giving someone a compliment, volunteering at a local charity, or buying lunch for a friend – it all counts.
A tremendous display of spirit, agility and strength, with a twist of downright quirky is the only way to describe the epic battle that took place at the 2015 Vancouver Law Sector Dodgeball event earlier this fall. Over the past year, eight law firms from downtown Vancouver have partnered in an effort to raise money
Autoform, one of Vancouver’s largest dealers of premium vehicles and the driving force behind the #FindTheAston promotion is hosting a gala event and you are invited. On Saturday, November 14th Autoform will play host to fun-filled gala to include a live DJ, cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres. Guests will also have the chance to bid on
Green onions got their groove on in a song written by Booker T. Jones in the 1960s. Move over green onions: The North Shore’s Edible Garden Project lets cucumbers, squash, tomatoes and other veggies and fruits get the attention they deserve too. “We share, we farm and we teach. The Edible Garden Project is all
These are real calls and the reality for too many children and seniors in the Lower Mainland. No one should have to face such hardship, but if they do, United Way and bc211 are here to help. The boy and elderly lady who made these calls were connected to the critical services they needed. But
Community. This is a word that Patricia uses a lot when she shares about the impact that Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre, located in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood, has had on her and her family’s life. Patricia started attending this United Way-supported agency in 2010, bringing her then two-year-old son, Hayden, to the centre’s daycare. She was bravely
One in 10 Canadians live in poverty. It’s a reality that we have come to accept as a part of our society, it’s become something we’re accustomed to see in our everyday lives, particularly in an economic downturn. From the homeless man asking for change downtown to the single mother in line at the Food
Earlier this month, Deltassist Family and Community Services Society received a mini-makeover, thanks to 12 energetic volunteers who dedicated their time and hard work during a The Vancouver Sun United Way Day of Caring. Deltassist is funded in part by United Way British Columbia. Representatives from CUPE, IBEW, BCGEU, PSAC, FPSE, Unifor, Delta Teachers Association