CHANGE A LIFE
Leadership comes in many styles. Leaders can be creative visionaries, supportive facilitators or clear-sighted commanders. But the most powerful legacy a leader can make is developing the capacity for leadership in others. For the past four years the United Way British Columbia has partnered with Dr. Steve Patty and Dialogues in Action to offer a
Senior loneliness and isolation are import issues affecting our community. Both threaten older adults’ independence, and can create health risks as significant as obesity, smoking or alcoholism. What may be surprising however, is that loneliness and isolation are not synonymous. A McMaster University study defines isolation as a state that arises from having too few
There are many things that make a community great, including accessible healthcare, inclusive transit systems and shared green spaces, just to name a few. Here’s one that may not spring to mind: art. Arts and arts organizations are integral to building strong connections in our community. Storytelling, art exhibits, musical performances and community gatherings are
Today is National Carers Day across Canada, a day to celebrate and thank caregivers and recognize the essential role they play in the success of our community. Caregiving is an incredibly difficult job and the related statistics are staggering. Every year, caregivers contribute roughly $25 billion in unpaid labour to the Canadian health system, while
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
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,
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
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
This week, we bid farewell and thank our energetic and passionate group of 31 Campaign Associates. 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. Campaign Associates are essential to the on-going success of our organization. They help
Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by Parliament, this day marks the anniversary of the 14 young women murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died for no other reason other than because they were women. The names of these women are: Geneviève
For 38 years, United Way and Labour have worked together to improve lives and build strong, active, inclusive, and healthy communities. Behind the achievements of this partnership are people who dedicate their lives and careers to advocating for social change. Three outstanding community and labour champions were recognized at the 24th Annual Labour Appreciation Night
When we work together, amazing things are possible. Working together makes strong communities. Today at the 2017 Community Partner Awards Lunch, United Way British Columbia celebrated another year of amazing things, recognizing its important, impactful and inspiring community partnerships in the cities and neighbourhoods we are honoured to call home. Keynote speaker Alia Sunderji, SFU