CHANGE A LIFE
stories, news, and other happenings in our community
There is something about cold countries, speculates Vancouver Sun columnist Daphne Brahman in a piece in today’s Vancouver Sun. The top five happiest nations in the world are Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Canada. Perhaps not surprisingly, all of the happiest nations are also wealthy. In determining what it means to be happy, the UN
What do kids need most to grow up strong, proud, kind, and fulfilled? The answer is surprisingly simple: to be loved. That’s according to Dr. Adele Diamond, Canada Research Chair Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at UBC, one of the keynote speakers at the recent Success by 6 Conference hosted by United Way British Columbia
A volunteer action is like a stone thrown in a lake: it has a direct impact that reaches far and wide. Volunteers are part of the ripple effect that improves communities. At United Way, the ripple effect created by our volunteers is felt right across the Lower Mainland. From employee campaign chairs to our volunteers
United Way and soccer go head to head! Our good friends over at McMillan LLP have not only raised over $324,000 for United Way over the years, they are so passionate about soccer and supporting kids in our community, that they are making sure every Vancouver Whitecaps FC goal counts! The McMillan ‘Corners for Kids’
TransLink employees, unions and its family of companies came together again in 2014 to raise over $277,000 for the community through their annual United Way British Columbia campaign. This employee-driven campaign provides a model of how working together for the community can bring lasting change. Employees from TransLink, B.C. Rapid Transit Company, Coast Mountain Bus
Forty-three. That’s the percentage of kids in Tri-Cities’ Coquitlam River neighbourhood who start school at increased risk of struggling in the classroom—and in later life. United Way British Columbia today launched the next phase of a bold early childhood initiative at James Park Elementary schoolin Port Coquitlam. United Way Avenues of Change has one resounding
In a press conference earlier today, United Way British Columbia announced that it has joined the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition in support of transit and transportation improvements through a traffic congestion improvement tax. “United Way believes that every person who lives here should have access to the same opportunities to build a better life
Employees at Fraser Health Authority take care of people in their community every day through their work. And every fall they give back even more with their annual campaign to support children, families and seniors through United Way. The 2014 campaign raised over $120,000. Coordinators at over a dozen facilities volunteered to organize fun events,
Vancouver is known around the world for our picturesque waterfront. The Gateway to our community and the largest in Canada, Vancouver’s port has significant employment and economic impacts to communities provincially and nationwide. And helping the community is top of mind for the maritime industry. At United Way, solving problems in our community means more
Four months ago, Rahima, mom of three children, suffered from an anxiety attack. Having moved from Afghanistan, twelve years ago with her husband, she didn’t have any support from extended family. The care for the children, the household and day to day responsibilities became too much. “When my friend found out what happened,” Rahima says,
Congratulations to CUPE 402, winner of the Labour United Award! The award is part of the Scotiabank & United Way Community Spirit Awards event that took place on February 25 in Vancouver. The Labour United Award is presented by the United Steelworks to a union and its members who exemplify commitment to community and to
A lawyer who sits on the board of the United Way-funded agency Nidus Personal Resource Planning and Registry says that living wills in B.C. don’t adequately protect end-of-life wishes. A Representation Agreement, however, does. The lawyer was interviewed on CBC Radio’s The Early Edition. “The reality is we do have a good law in British
Spring is just around the corner—and so is the implementation phase of United Way My Neighbourhood, My Future! Officially launched in April 2013, this unprecedented five year initiative has one resounding objective: to see more kids start school with all the skills they need to succeed—in the classroom and in life. As we enter the
In partnership with United Way British Columbia, BCAA will provide another 1,000 new child car seats throughout the province through its Community Child Car Seat Program. The seats are to be used by kids who may otherwise not have safe transport options. Since launching in 2013, the Community Child Car Seat Program has provided a
If you visit Surrey’s Central City Shopping Centre on the first and third Wednesdays of the month between 10 am and noon, you’ll see some delightful early learning in the works. A large space near the entrance of Winners is transformed into a vibrant kid-friendly area. Play mats, toys, picture books, play dough, and other
For Immediate Release: February 25, 2015 United Way British Columbia will put $26.5 million to work in the community to help children, families and seniors across Metro Vancouver. The money raised through the generosity of donors means that United Way can help move families from poverty to possibility, help kids be all they can be,
Imagine schools as safe, caring centres of communities, not just during class hours, but in the evenings and on weekends too. This model of community schools is a reality in many neighbourhoods across Metro Vancouver, ensuring kids have opportunities to grow up strong and healthy with access to a wider range of community services. United
This year’s Scotiabank and United Way Community Spirit Awards will be amazing! The event takes place on Wednesday, February 25 and recognizes and honours organizations, unions and individuals that have helped to strengthen our community over the past year. Scotiabank returns as title sponsor of the event for the 14th consecutive year. “Making a positive
“I just want to make a difference and help people,” said Andrew Tham, a Canada Post CUPW member. He took the Critical Incident Stress course recently offered at the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) 2015 Harrison Winter School for union members. Andrew was one of 1,100 union members who attended the 41st annual Winter School. 110
In 1858, 800 black pioneers escaping racial persecution in San Francisco came to British Columbia in search of work and a safe place to raise their families. Now, more than 33,200 British Columbians trace their ancestry from Africa, contributing to B.C.’s culture of diversity. February is Black History Month proclaimed by the B.C. government. It’s