April 2022 Vital People Roundup: Earth Month Edition
To celebrate Earth Month, Vital People on both CHEK News and the Times Colonist highlighted the incredible environmental impact different organizations are making in our community. Check out the April 2022 Vital People roundup below.
Sandra Richardson: “It is cliché to say youth are our future, but it is very true.”
“The Victoria Foundation recognizes the importance and power of youth by finding ways to listen, learn, and engage. Vital Youth is a program that is a partnership between Victoria Foundation, donors, and local schools that showcases our future is in good hands.,” says Victoria Foundation CEO, Sandra Richardson.
Read her full April column in the Times Colonist to learn more about the impact of this program.
The Starfish Canada empowers youth
The Starfish Canada is empowering young voices in the City of Victoria through the Youth Leadership Labs program. This pilot project, led in collaboration with Aryze Developments, enabled youth ages 14 to 29 to provide input on plans for a new timber-based community park in Quadra Village. The Starfish Canada has been inspiring young people to take leadership roles and contribute to the environmental movement for over 10 years. Watch the Vital People segment to learn more.
Also, read this Times Colonist interview with Kyle Empringham, co-founder of The Starfish Canada, and project participant Taylor Koel to learn about the impact of this program.

Taylor Koel was one of the participants in the Youth Leadership Labs pilot project. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST
Community Grant helps Habitat Acquisition Trust continue to conserve vital habitats
Habitat Acquisition Trust has been protecting and conserving vital habitats in our region for 25 years. As they continue to grow, so do their staffing needs. With the support of a 2021 community grant focused on general operating expenses, they were able to hire an experienced administrative support person who greatly reduced staff stress levels. Learn more in this Times Colonist Vital People story.

Katie Blake, executive director of Habitat Acquisition Trust, at her office. Thanks to a grant from Victoria Foundation, HAT was able to hire an experienced administrative support person, freeing up program staff to focus on conservation work. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST
April Vital People Videos
- Autism Acceptance Month: April is Autism Acceptance Month. And for parents raising a child with autism spectrum disorder, that acceptance is key. The Victoria Society for Children with Autism have been helping families for over 50 years through parent support groups, social activities, equipment lending, and more. Watch video
- 1000 x 5 Children’s Literacy: Local non-profit, 1000 x 5 is giving the gift of literacy through their children’s book recycling project. Their goal is for all children to have books in the home and to have heard 1000 books by age 5. Watch video
- Victoria Cool Aid Society Dental Clinic: Dental care is expensive. And for people without private insurance, getting care is often a luxury they just can’t afford. Thanks to donations and grants, Victoria Cool Aid Society has been operating Vancouver Island’s only non-profit dental clinic for 5 decades. And demand is higher than ever. Watch video