July Vital People Roundup
This past month saw the release of the 2022 edition of Pulse magazine, an annual publication highlighting how the Victoria Foundation and other organizations in our community are working to build on the findings in the annual Vital Signs report. See stories below highlighting Vital People working to make their community a better place.
Sandra Richardson: We can move forward, together
“There’s little the Victoria Foundation does on its own. It takes a collaboration of individuals, donors, organizations and communities to help realize our vision of a vibrant, caring community for all.”
Click here to read Sandra’s full column.
Green Team youth leaders provide hands-on experience in organizing
A group that organized 1,400 volunteers to remove 300 cubic metres of invasive plants throughout the region in the past year has created two new positions to run a youth leadership program, with the goal of passing on its community-organizing expertise.
Amanda Evans, left, Green Team director of programs and partnerships, with program manager Maria Varem at Saxe Point Park. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST
Existence Project gives voice to the homeless
Everybody who has experienced homelessness has a story — and those stories have the power to build bridges to understanding. That’s the premise behind The Existence Project, a non-profit founded in 2016 that began interviewing people living on the streets of Victoria with the goal of humanizing homelessness. Read more.
Dennis Palubeski, left, tells Luca Rieter a story at an Existence Project storytelling workshop in Anawim House Victoria in 2018. VIA THE EXISTENCE PROJECT
July Vital People Videos
Peers Victoria Van: Peers Victoria runs a mobile outreach program, seven nights a week, to support sex workers and people who are unhoused. But their van is starting to break down, so a fundraising campaign is now underway to buy a larger and more functional vehicle. Watch video
Island Kids Cancer Association: Children on Vancouver Island who are diagnosed with cancer often travel to Vancouver for treatment, which can be scary and stressful. The Island Kids Cancer Association supports families both during and after treatment by providing a sense of community and connecting them to public programs, counselling, healthy produce boxes, birthday surprises, and more! Watch video
Project Peanut Butter: With no school lunch programs and a decrease in food bank donations, the summer months can be tight for many families. That’s why Merry Maids of Victoria started a peanut butter drive in 2014 to help fill the gap. After taking a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic, it’s back this year in honour of one of its co-founders Matt Tanner. Watch video
Trans Voice Coach: A Saanich woman is helping transgender people all over the world find their voice. Jess Gibbard, owner of Trans Voice Coach, volunteers her time to help others find a voice that feels more comfortable. Watch video