May 2022 Vital People Roundup: Vital Signs Survey Launch
The 2022 Vital Signs survey launched in May and this year we’re asking “what does community mean to you?” Fill out this year’s survey and see stories from the month highlighting Vital People working to make their community a better place.
Sandra Richardson: “Every day we see the power of Greater Victoria residents coming together to create a better world.”
“One definition of community that resonates with me is the power of individuals coming together to champion what is important to them,” says Victoria Foundation CEO, Sandra Richardson.
Click here to read her full May column.
Gender-affirming apparel program a good fit for Island Sexual Health
The Island Sexual Health Society has launched a program that provides transgender adults and youth with a consultant and gender-affirming apparel for free or at a reduced cost.
The Victoria Foundation provided start-up funding that allowed Island Sexual Health to offer gender-affirming apparel products in its community health centre store and to hire an apparel consultant. This year alone, there have been 100 fittings for clients of all ages, backgrounds and experiences
Click here to read the full story.
Gender-affirming-apparel consultant Sam Peters, left, with Island Sexual Health executive director Bobbi Turner Williams in front of a selection of clothing for transgender adults and youth. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST
Alliance a hub for literacy groups
Finding services or people to collaborate on events, write grant proposals or share data is as easy as A-B-C for southern Vancouver Island literacy organizations, thanks to services provided by the Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy.
With funding from the Victoria Foundation, the Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy enables more than 30 literacy groups in the community to work collaboratively, share research and human resources.
Click here to read the full story.
Janine Hannis in the office of the Greater Victoria Alliance For Literacy, an umbrella group that enables more than 30 literacy groups in the community to work collaboratively and share research and human resources. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST
May Vital People Videos
- Youth Sanctuary Centre: One local organization making a difference in our community is the Sanctuary Youth Center. For the last 16 years, they have been providing help and hope for vulnerable youth. Watch video
- Vital Youth Program: High school students from across Greater Victoria are connecting with and learning about important issues facing the community as part of the Vital Youth Program. Watch video
- Sound of Change Initiative: Through the Sound of Change Initiative, the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre has provided 1300 pairs of refurbished hearing aids to 650 people over the last few years. The program has helped many in need, including low-income seniors. Watch video
- Cowichan Family Life Garden Tour: After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cowichan Family Life Garden Tour is back. Taking place this Sunday, this fundraiser helps provides affordable counselling in the Valley. Featured on the tour is Jackie and Jim Barker’s garden, who started the Garden House Foundation Fund at the Victoria Foundation. Watch video