See what October’s Vital People are doing across Greater Victoria

Posted on November 1, 2022 in General

With change across Greater Victoria following municipal elections, it’s a reminder that change can bring great opportunity for collaboration. See stories below highlighting October’s Vital People working to make Victoria a vibrant, caring community for all.

 

Sandra Richardson

Sandra Richardson: A season of change and collaboration

“Change can bring a sense of urgency and uncertainty, but it can also bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to collaborate… Collaboration at all levels can help bring change in our communities. It can also bring forth a unified voice.” Read more

 

 

Anawim House to welcome women in house now under construction

Women at risk of homelessness due to poverty, violence or health issues will soon get a temporary home with a family atmosphere, as the Anawim Companions Society prepares to open the doors to a purpose-built Women’s House in Victoria next spring. Read more

Anawim House board members pose in front of Anawim House for men.

Dan Greco with board members Helen Pedneault, left, and Joyce Harris at Anawim House. The Anawim House Society is building a house for women modelled after its successful house for men. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

Friendship Centre youth team helps Indigenous young people overcome barriers

Today’s Indigenous youth are tomorrow’s knowledge keepers. That’s the thinking behind the Victoria Native Friendship Centre’s Youth Services Team, which offers one-on-one support to help Indigenous youth ages 12 to 24 overcome barriers and build resiliency. Read more

 

Aly Waddell says the Victoria Native Friendship Centre program has a four-month wait list and would like to hire more outreach workers to help young people. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

October Vital People Videos

Kids Klub Brown Bag Lunch Program: The program serves 750 healthy lunches a week to Greater Victoria students in need. But demand for their services has dramatically increased because of the pandemic and the rising cost of food. Watch video

Thanksgiving at Our Place Society: Our Place Society dished out a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for Victoria’s most vulnerable this week. With demand higher than ever, the non-profit is serving up a thousand meals a week. And this wouldn’t be possible without hundreds of volunteers. Watch video

Courtnall Society for Mental Health: The Courtnall brothers, familiar to hockey fans, launched the Courtnall Society for Mental Health last year. As an issue incredibly close to their hearts, they’re working to promote an understanding of mental health. Watch video

Free Little Libraries: From books and board games to yarn and seeds, there are hundreds of little free libraries all across Greater Victoria. Pocket Places Project recently celebrated a major milestone of reaching 650 in our region! Watch video