CHANGE A LIFE
When COVID hit, there was a lot of fear, there was a lot of isolation. People lost their jobs; people lost their food security, and people lost their ability to connect with each other. For a community to be great, it needs to be great for everyone, so we worked quickly to pivot, develop and adapt our programs. During the
COVID-19 had a tremendous impact on our mental well-being. Almost two-thirds of 15 to 24-year-olds reported that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health. 41% were likely to report symptoms consistent with moderate or severe anxiety.* We know there is a crisis in our communities surrounding substance abuse. United Way British Columbia looks to partner with organizations and
Thanksgiving may be over, but it’s no time to stop giving thanks – or giving back – to your neighbours. Your community needs your local love now more than ever. During the time of COVID, food security remains the number one issue facing our community and it is one way we are giving back to those in need. Over
Our most vulnerable and isolated citizens, those who were already struggling before the pandemic struck, have been hard hit by the global crisis: facing unforeseen job losses, food scarcity and increasing mental health issues. On top of that, many others are finding themselves newly vulnerable too. One in five local residents don’t know a neighbour well enough
For four hours one Saturday last November, the Vancity community room at The Junction Shopping Centre was buzzing with activity as locals participated in a ‘repair café’, fixing a wide range of items otherwise destined for local landfills. Janet Chalmers, a local resident and member of Building Resilience in Mission, says it all started when a few passionate individuals began discussing the concept of a transition
What’s the secret of a long life? For 86-year-old Bernice, it is painting, crocheting and playing ukulele, while 93-year-old Janine credits eating properly – meat, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. And like 74% of seniors over 85 they are living in their own homes. Like a growing number of Richmond citizens, these women are at the
On October 8 a crowd of community champions gathered at the Woodward’s building in Gastown for Better Together by United Way. Better Together was an event designed by donors, for donors. After consulting with United Way supporters earlier this year, event organizers heard there was demand for something simple, with major impact. There was a call to
According to new research released today by United Way British Columbia, almost half (46%) of British Columbians say they sometimes feel lonely – but there is an upside. The same poll also found that giving back as part of a group, whether you donate time or money, makes us feel better than doing it alone.
The Vancouver tech community gathered this past Sunday to hack the Grouse Grind, taking part in the 4th annual United Way Tech Grind presented by McMillan LLP. Teams raced to the top of Grouse Mountain – all 2,830 steps, 2.9 km and 853 meters in elevation – all while raising funds for United Way’s School’s
Soccer helps create community The empty, lush grass field of Burke Mountain’s Victoria Park left Robert Birungi wondering who owned it. In his native Uganda, he says only the very wealthy could own or afford to play on grounds like this. “I asked my wife are we allowed to use this,” Robert says. “She said
Who doesn’t love a block party? They’re fun, simple, inexpensive, and a great way to get to know your neighbours! That’s precisely why residents of the Clayton Heights neighbourhood in Surrey took to the streets this weekend, for the area’s first Block Party Day. The more the merrier What helped make this weekend such a
Have you ever heard of “community care?” Earlier this year, an article on Mashable.com made waves among progressive do-gooders and community builders. In it, author Heather Dockray makes the provocative case that when trying to overcome burnout, relying on self-care may not be as helpful as it seems. She advocates for community care instead. What is community
Today the Government of British Columbia announced a contribution of $250,000 in 2019-20 to the Youth Futures Education Fund. The funding will provide students formerly in foster care with access to funding for costs beyond tuition such as buying books, groceries, paying bills and rent. “Former youth in care pursuing their educational dreams don’t always
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
A connected community is a healthy community. Strong connections increase our mental, physical and emotional well-being. They positively impact our quality of life and increase our overall happiness and satisfaction. But what works in one community may not in another. Every neighbourhood is unique, and everyone – from individual citizens to companies operating in the
The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to pause, reflect, and look back at everything you accomplished the last 365 days. In 2018, we launched a rather remarkable goal: By 2025, we want to inspire 1 million people to engage in acts of local love across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
What defines ‘community’? Is it the people in our neighbourhoods? Our colleagues and teammates? What about our family and friends? Any way you choose to define it, a community can be as diverse and unique as the people who call it home. There are also times when we find and build community unexpectedly: by trying
Close your eyes and imagine your community. What do you love about it? What makes it unique? What is one thing you would add to make it better for everyone? At United Way, we love to see the deep and lasting impact local initiatives can have on our communities. Local projects like Avenues of Change, empower