CHANGE A LIFE
stories, news, and other happenings in our community
Social purpose isn’t a business trend. It’s a business must. This is why we launched the Social Purpose Institute at United Way. We empower businesses to identify and adopt a social purpose, for the benefit of both their company, and the communities they serve. And now we’re proud to share the Government of Canada is
Talking about what will happen after we die can be uncomfortable – both for us and for our loved ones. However, these conversations are critical. Talking to your beneficiaries may be one of the most important parts of managing your estate. If you have included charities in your will, you may want to also include
As we age, one of the biggest threats to our independence is social isolation. And the need to keep seniors mentally engaged in their communities has never been greater. Kahir Lalji, the provincial program manager of Better at Home and United Way’s Active Aging grant, an organization dedicated to helping senior citizens with day-to-day
Have you ever had the “warm and fuzzies”? We all know giving back is good. But not just because it feels that way. It’s science! Home-grown happiness research Dr. Lara Aknin is an assistant professor of psychology at Simon Fraser University and a principle investigator in SFU’s Helping and Happiness lab. Dr. Aknin studies “prosocial
Menstrual products will soon be free in all B.C. schools, with additional products made available to people experiencing period poverty across the province, through a partnership with United Way and the Government of B.C. It’s another profound impact related to United Way’s Period Promise campaign, presented by Pacific Blue Cross. The initiatives will reduce the
After a remarkable four weeks, United Way’s Period Promise campaign, presented by Pacific Blue Cross, ended April 4. It resulted in hundreds of thousands of donated menstrual products – and so much more. When you’re vulnerable or living in poverty, access to menstrual products can be challenging. Period Promise mobilized local citizens to be a
There is a bit of magic in mobilization. Once one passionate person takes action, an issue can quickly become impossible to ignore. United Way’s 2019 Period Promise campaign, presented by Pacific Blue Cross, made major gains to tackle period poverty. This is due in no small part to the visionary leadership of its volunteer co-chairs,
Sometimes it takes a bit of adversity in your own life to truly appreciate the difference you can make in someone else’s. Brittany Wiesner understands this well. Brittany provides administrative support for United Way’s Donor Experience team, coordinating volunteer experiences. But more than that, as nominated by her own colleagues, she is an inspiring community
To help vulnerable people live with the dignity we all deserve, small acts of local love can make a big difference. That’s what inspired 17-year-old Krystle Sievert to help tackle period poverty. Krystle is a student at Clayton Heights Secondary. Clayton Heights is a burgeoning neighbourhood in Surrey, where United Way is working with residents to foster
The beginning of a new season can mean many things: a fresh start, a time to reassess, and for many, a chance to try something new. It’s also often a time when individuals prioritize mental and physical well-being, with many signing up for gym memberships and meditation classes. The great news? Getting involved in your
When Laurie Brondgeest was a little girl, fresh fruits and veggies were just steps away in her family’s backyard garden. “I remember being with my dad, picking the carrots,” she says. “We’d just brush the dirt off and start eating them. It’s such a fond memory.” But as Laurie explains, home-grown carrots provide more than
In an historic decision, the Board of Education for New Westminster Schools voted to supply free pads and tampons in school bathrooms. The decision will improve access to menstrual products for local students, reducing the vulnerability and isolation caused by period poverty. Trustees also voted to endorse the Period Promise campaign by United Way British
It’s hard to be new. Whether it’s the first day of a new job, starting high school, or joining a sports team – there is something uniquely nerve-wracking about a fresh start. “We’ve all been there,” says Calem Forster, a Leadership 10 student at Clayton Heights Secondary School in Surrey. “When I was in grade
Periods are a fact of life. Monthly menstruation products are a necessity. Sadly, across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, too many people can’t afford them. These include young girls and single mothers; newcomers and refugees, who face added levels of stigma; and trans and gender non-conforming folks, for whom this can be a compounding
With the installation of several little libraries in Clayton Heights, residents of this Surrey neighborhood are writing a new story about their fast-growing community. On Family Day, February 18, Clayton Heights residents and staff from United Way British Columbia gathered at Katzie Elementary School to celebrate the launch of 7 little libraries in the neighbourhood.
Recognizing the importance of community-based supports for seniors – and United Way’s leadership in this area – we are pleased to share the Government of Canada has announced a $50,000 investment in the Healthy Aging Initiative at the United Way British Columbia. The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister for Seniors, made the announcement February 13 at
Sometimes, it’s our earliest memories that stick. Experiences from childhood can shape our understanding of community. They can establish strong connections to our heritage and culture, and they can inspire us to help build beautiful, safe spaces for others. For Edmund Ma, the time he spent with his maternal and paternal grandparents as a young
Take a moment and ask yourself: what difference have labour unions made in your life? Safer working conditions, or the five-day work week may be the first things that come to mind. What you may not know is the far-ranging impact unions have had on policies that shape how inclusive we are as a society.
When Larry Fink speaks, the business world pays attention. It’s no wonder why. Fink is chairman and chief executive of BlackRock – an American global investment management corporation based in New York City. With a portfolio valuing over $6 trillion, it’s the largest investment management company in the world. It’s why Fink took #28 on
For many families, winter is a time of busy calendars, holiday celebrations and sunny getaways. For seniors, however, the exact opposite is often true. This, paired with cold temperatures, decreased mobility and limited incomes, can result in isolation that puts older adults at risk of physical, emotional and mental health challenges. The good news is that support