CHANGE A LIFE
stories, news, and other happenings in our community
According to a survey of more than 1,200 doctors and nurses surveyed across Canada, seriously ill, hospitalized Canadians are increasingly receiving aggressive, invasive and futile care at end of life because patients and families cannot accept that they are dying. In a story published in The Vancouver Sun, the survey revealed that unrealistic expectations about
Starting today, residents of the Lower Mainland are able to access bc211’s services simply by texting 2-1-1 on their mobile devices. This means accessing free information and referrals for community, government and social services in B.C. no longer requires a phone call. The bc211 service, developed in partnership with the United Way, currently manages over
Kids who are taught how to be mindful—defined as “paying attention in the present moment without judgment”—are happier, kinder, and do better in math than kids who aren’t. As reported in a recent Vancouver Sun article, UBC researchers uncovered these connections when they studied a group of grade 4 and 5 kids in Coquitlam. Some
In the Tri-Cities, 9 out of 10 youth have their own cell phones. Those who don’t are more likely to sleep 8 hours a day—and to experience better mental health than their phone-wielding peers. These and other findings were shared at the Know 2 Grow Research Forum, partially funded by United Way British Columbia, yesterday.
In an article published in The Vancouver Sun, columnist Daphne Bramham discusses gaps and gains for B.C.’s aboriginal children. First the good news – we are heading in the right direction in the field of education. The article highlights findings from a C.D. Howe Institute report published in 2014 by SFU professor John Richards, “Are
Poverty statistics released by Statistics Canada in December 2014 show once again that B.C. has one of the highest poverty rates in Canada. One in ten British Columbians are living in poverty, meaning 469,000 people are struggling to make ends meet. Relative to the rest of the country, B.C. is tied third with Quebec after
Fall means harvest and farmers markets. When people stop by the Gourmet Grannies booth at the Haney Farmers Market in Maple Ridge, they sometimes think that the Grannies are serving space vegetables. “People look at the pattypan squash and think you’re serving UFOs!” says Gabby with a laugh. Gabby, 68 years old, and Elaine, 80
Author Emily White says that self-reliance is overrated and that it’s time to rebuild a sense of community and civic life. In a Globe and Mail article, White traces her search for modern-day offline community in her book Count Me In: How I Stepped Off the Sidelines, Created Connection, and Build a Fuller, Richer, More
Nakusp, Invermere, the Villages of Fraser Lake and Valemount, and Pender Island are the five communities chosen for United Way’s Better at Home rural and remote pilot project. The goal of the pilot project is to test service delivery options to seniors living in rural and remote communities in B.C. Theresa Wood, event co-ordinator for
Thanks to 38 enthusiastic individuals and the generous unions and companies that sponsored them, United Way received invaluable fundraising support for its 2014 workplace campaign. These individuals, called Campaign Associates, help United Way make incredible things happen for people living in the Lower Mainland. This year, nine Campaign Associates were sponsored by unions. Other sponsoring
This contest is now closed. Congratulations Jane Weiss (@ejaneweiss) for winning 2 tickets to the Vancouver Canucks! Win a pair of Canucks tickets generously donated by United Way Cabinet Member Sarah McCullough from Spectra Energy Transmission. Contest Details: United Way British Columbia is offering up a pair of tickets to the Canucks vs. Islanders on
When Asha and Ashley heard that their respective employers, the City of Vancouver and CIBC, were looking to loan someone to United Way to help with workplace campaign fundraising, they jumped at the opportunity. For Asha, an active volunteer in her community and activist in her union, it was the excitement of something new that
A new model for seniors care has been developed in the Netherlands. Dan Levitt, a gerontologist at Simon Fraser University describes the community in the Vancouver Sun. Weesp has been designed specifically for people with advanced stages of dementia. There is a grocery store, a theatre, an art studio, a beauty salon, a doctor’s office,
For more than 30 years, United Way and Labour have worked together to improve lives and strengthen communities. Behind the achievements of this partnership are people who dedicate their lives and careers to advocating for social change. Three outstanding individuals, who have done just that, were recognized yesterday at the 21st Annual Labour Appreciation Night.
The 21st 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 Wednesday, December 4. The event, which is sponsored by Pacific Blue Cross, acknowledges the many contributions that Sisters and Brothers have made to the community.
Imagine… Helping to feed a young child who is participating in early learning programs. Giving kids the key to success through storybooks, literacy assistance and parent support. Providing phone support to anyone in the community in need. Well, imagine no more. Today on December 2, Giving Tuesday, you can make incredible things like this happen
On November 25, union counsellors, labour council delegates and labour activists came together for the 24th Union Counsellors’ Breakfast, hosted by United Way British Columbia at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The guests, who were also attendees at the biennial BC Federation of Labour Convention, learned about upcoming events and training opportunities offered by the CLC
You’ve worked hard this campaign. You’ve grown your United Way campaign. You’ve innovated. You’ve encouraged teamwork. You’ve engaged all members of your organization – unions, Gen Next, everyone. Now, it’s time to reap the rewards. The Scotiabank & United Way Community Spirit Awards will be presented February 25, 2015 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver –
The 2014 BC Child Poverty Report Card released today by First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition says that little progress has been made to reduce child and family poverty in BC. At 21%, BC’s child poverty rate is higher than the Canadian average of 19% and represents 169,420 children. In their media release,
Bullying Awareness Week is on now. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about bullying amongst students while promoting positive relationships and providing youth with real-life solutions to help them deal with bullying behaviour. In a statement, B.C.’s Parliamentary Secretary for Student Support and Parent Engagement Jane Thornthwaite talks about Bullying Awareness Week: