CHANGE A LIFE
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
The Do Good Recklessly project aims to bring smiles to Chilliwack residents who are feeling the emotional strain of current events. Started by Chilliwack resident, K.J. (pictured above) in April, residents are nominated by friends and family, and every Sunday, every nominee receives an anonymous bouquet at their doorstep. Thanks to a Local Love Fund grant, Do Good Recklessly delivers
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 means physical distancing, which can leave people isolated and lonely. That’s why acts of local love and kindness are becoming more important than ever. And having a huge impact on the lives of vulnerable people. Across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, a simple postcard is making a big difference
Taking a break after chair yoga class, Don is relaxed with his sneakers kicked off, chatting about the physical impacts of aging. He quotes from a Leonard Cohen song. “You start to ache in the places you used to play,” he says with a smile. At 88, Don has led a rich life. He began
On a crisp Winter evening recently in the Fraser Valley, the commercial kitchen at the Sardis Community Church was filled with a flurry of activity and a bouquet of aromas. Chef Rim, her 15-year-old daughter Jennifer and her good friend Sand spent an afternoon and early evening preparing a Syrian banquet for local residents and
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
The health benefits of knitting are many – stress, anxiety, pain and memory loss reduction, and creative fulfilment. Another benefit: community building. Every Monday, Lower Lonsdale’s Knitting Kittens, a group of 12-15 women gather at North Vancouver’s John Braithwaite Community Centre for conversation, friendship and charitable works. “When I came here I was very depressed.
Working together makes all the difference when it comes to building community, according to United Way British Columbia research. Volunteering is 21% more meaningful when you do it with people you know. It’s something students from Clayton Heights Secondary School completely agree with. Earlier this month, 30 Grade 10 Math students travelled from Surrey’s Clayton
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