CHANGE A LIFE
stories, news, and other happenings in our community
Recently, we hit the streets to find out what we can do to make our communities better for everyone. The overwhelming response? Take care of each other and the spaces we call home. The Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are homes to incredible natural beauty and it’s important that we work hard to keep it
Twelve-year-old Kieneshia loves sports. She excels on her school’s basketball and volleyball teams, and enjoys playing soccer and lacrosse. “Sports make a big difference for me,” she says. “I make friends. I feel good in my body and I know what to do.” One year ago, her life was very different. Kieneshia often felt sad
A mountain range of menstrual products was on display at United Way’s head office March 20, the culmination of United Way’s 2nd annual Tampon Tuesday campaign. After tallying each tampon, disposable pad, reusable pad, menstrual cup and pair of menstrual underwear, the total amount of individual products donated surpasses 220,000, with many more still rolling
Tampon Tuesday – Take the Pledge! Tampon Tuesday is that time of the year when we work together to collect products for those in need and de-stigmatize the conversation around menstruation. Take part, it’s easy! From March 6-20, 2018 simply: Take the pledge and help us collect collect menstruation products for those who need it. Download
This past year, over 500 organizations and unions came together to support United Way and spark positive change in communities across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, impacting over 400,000 lives in the region! This amazing work wouldn’t happen without a high degree of local commitment and love for community, and for that we thank
Ask any local business owner or entrepreneur and they’ll agree: if you want to succeed and grow your business, offering the best product just isn’t good enough. Your business itself has to be good, too; good for your customers, for your employees, and for your community at large. In short, you need a Social Purpose.
When it comes to a strong commitment to its community, McMillan is pitch perfect. The international business law firm based in downtown Vancouver is a long-time champion of the United Way, and since 2015 has supported local youth through its Corners for Kids program with the Vancouver Whitecaps. “For every ‘Caps corner kick at home,
We couldn’t do it without you! This year United Way will invest over $31 million to transform local lives, thanks largely to our community champions and their inspiring 2017 workplace campaigns. These funds connect over 400,000 vulnerable people across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley to vital community supports like United Way after-school programs and seniors’
Your help is needed. Period. Periods are a fact of life. Monthly menstruation products are a necessity. And nobody should have to pick between feeding their family and being able to afford basic hygiene products. Yet far too many people – especially those living in poverty – simply can’t afford them. The result? Loss of
The most important part of our community is love. And no surprise either – a community is a lot like love! It comes it all shapes and sizes. It isn’t defined by age or experience. It blooms through diversity and inclusivity. It thrives when reciprocated and supported. It has the power to change the world.
United Way is thrilled to have Scotiabank returning as title sponsor of this year’s Spirit Awards event taking place on Wednesday, February 28th. Seventeen years ago, Scotiabank first signed on as the title sponsor for the annual Scotiabank and United Way Community Spirit Awards. Their continued support has allowed us to celebrate the efforts of
It’s for you. There’s a feeling you get when your plane touches down at YVR. That indescribable sensation that comes from somewhere deep inside. It’s the physical manifestation of the feeling, “I’m home.” I knew that feeling even before I lived here. It was some 30 years ago when I first travelled to this amazing
Nubia is the mother to two beautiful children – Kenneth who is eleven months, and Mikaela who is almost three. Originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, North Vancouver has been her home for the past six years. The biggest difference between the North Shore and her home city? “It’s much smaller,” she laughs. “But there are
Leifang faced a number of challenges when she arrived in Richmond as a new immigrant. She didn’t speak any English and had difficulty navigating the different technology she needed to keep in touch with her family back home in China. As an older adult in a rapidly aging society, she was not alone. In an
Diversity, inclusion, celebration, love – these are the elements that define our communities and neighbourhoods. They make our cities vibrant and beautiful. They provide strength to us all, no matter our age, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. This Family Day, however you define your family, you too can be a champion of
When we build better workplaces, we build better communities. This is why for the past 44 years, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has hosted an annual Winter School for union members from across British Columbia and the Yukon. Courses offered explore critical issues relevant to today’s workplace and political climate, including increasing the number of
Twenty-five non-profit leaders from across the province are heading back to school. Each is participating in the eighth annual session of United Way’s Public Policy Institute (PPI). Sessions are open to organizations that are involved in social or health related services from all regions of the province. This leadership program supports participants, and the organizations
Happy 2018! For almost 85 years, we have worked with generous donors, dedicated organizations, and incredible volunteers to create a community that is inclusive, diverse, and supportive of everyone, no matter where they live or where they’re from. United Way is the backbone of an area-wide network of community partner agencies, effecting positive, long-term change,
The holidays are a special time for family and friends to come together and enjoy each other’s love and company. However, this time of year can be lonely and hard, especially for isolated seniors. Here in the Lower Mainland 1 in 5 seniors reports feeling alone and over 25,000 say they have no one to talk
For over 87 years, United Way has been supporting individuals of all ages and backgrounds across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. We fund over 174 agencies to deliver more than 350 programs that help children, families and seniors. Last year alone, we supported 400,000 people.