See what January’s Vital People are doing across Greater Victoria
See stories below highlighting January’s Vital People who are working to make Victoria a vibrant, caring community for all. With a new year comes a sense of renewal, optimism, and the continued work of vital people across Greater Victoria.
Sandra Richardson: Acts of kindness have ripple effect in tough times
“Random Acts of Kindness Day is on Friday, Feb. 17. It’s a special day to reflect on the many gestures of kindness we see across the capital region. What I love about the day is that, while grand acts of kindness are special, so are the small ones.” Read Sandra’s full column.
Dental care program puts smiles on kids’ faces
Children and adolescents from low-income families have something to smile about, thanks to free dental care provided by the Oral Care for Children and Adolescents (ORCCA) Dental Clinic Society. Read the full story.
A young patient, left, about to receive a free dental procedure gives a thumbs-up at the ORCCA Dental Clinic in Sidney. Dr. Mitra Hashemi, one of the dentists who provides services at the clinic, sits by her side. ORCCA DENTAL CLINIC SOCIETY
Funding for early childhood music gives kids a head start
Children from vulnerable families can now enroll in programs that expose them to music at an early age, thanks to funding provided by the Victoria Foundation for the early childhood music program at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Read the full story.
The Victoria Conservatory of Music’s early childhood music program offers group classes to young children from infants to five-year-olds. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST
January Vital People Videos
Pacific Training Centre: Elizabeth Lalonde founded the Pacific Training Centre over a decade ago to provide non-visual skills training for adults. Their 10-month program teaches tactile skills like brail, how to use a talking computer, cane travel, and other important life skills. Watch video
George Jay Elementary Breakfast Program: Kids often go to school hungry, which can really impact how they learn. A volunteer-run breakfast program at George Jay Elementary is making a difference one smoothie and egg sandwich at a time. Watch video
Victoria’s Chinese Canadian Museum: Lunar New Year, which took place in January across the world, is a great time to reflect on Canada’s rich Chinese culture. Victoria’s Chinese Canadian Museum, located in Fan Tan Alley, pays tribute to the important role local Chinese Canadians have played in Canada’s growth and prosperity. Watch video