Change starts here.
Change starts here.
United Way of the Lower Mainland’s Care to Change Video Competition is now open for voting. You decide which one of the following videos deserves to win our Viewer’s Choice Award.
How to vote:
1. View the videos at www.caretochange.ca
2. Decide which one truly inspires you to care for seniors or children in need in BC.
3. Click into your favourite video and cast your vote by clicking on the thumbs up. Only one vote per person.
4. Share it with your friends (Tweet using #caretochange).
Please note, we have limited the number of votes per IP address, if you cannot vote from a computer that has a shared internet address this is probably why. But, do not fear, you can likely still vote from your computers at home. Any questions, please contact Sally on 604 294 8929 ext. 2314.
You have until 4 p.m. on September 13 to place your vote. The video with the most votes wins a brand new Apple® iPad®.
Enjoy the show.
Think about your life. It's the sum of countless experiences and many significant relationships. Who influenced you as a positive role model? How did they make a difference in your life? Share some of your story by adding a comment.
Let's celebrate the good people who pass on their gifts to us and in turn, make us better.
At United Way, we're helping kids age 6 to 12 to grow up great in the Lower Mainland.
United Way’s investment in mentoring and life-skills programs supports hundreds of Lower Mainland children to improve their social and emotional competencies. Children with positive self esteem and life skills are better able to cope with school and life experiences.
United Way invests in programs that provide positive role models, positive peer relationships in a healthy, safe environment.
"It looks like we're going to be best friends." - Little Sister Jaimison about Big Sister Katie. Watch the video.
"I took on a new job 16 months ago. I didn’t really have a mentor I could turn to in terms
of the job I was doing." - BC Premier Gordon Campbell, Address at the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs
October 21, 2002.
"Not only did the Vancouver Canucks not consult goalie – and then captain – Roberto Luongo in June before firing his friend and goaltending coach, Ian Clark, the star netminder said he still hasn't received an explanation from general manager Mike Gillis. Luongo defended his decision to employ Clark as a tutor even after his mentor was fired by the National Hockey League team." - The Vancouver Sun, Sept. 13, 2010
The South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH) Food Security Project began in January 2011 and is a program funded through United Way of the Lower Mainland’s food security grants.
The project’s goals are to:
Some of the activities included establishing community kitchens, delivering food security workshops and supporting monthly “pocket markets”.
SVNH celebrates a successful year!
A letter from the daughter of a senior client at the Dawson Creek CASI project:
To Whom It May Concern,
Last summer my parents became unable to care for themselves in the same ways they always had. My father suffered from a heart attack and was unable to be the sole caregiver of my Mother any longer. My Mother suffers from Parkinson’s disease and also has developed Lewy Body Dementia. It wasn’t until we arrived to help my parents that we were fully aware of how my Mother’s condition had deteriorated. My parent’s doctor was very helpful and we were able to have Mom placed in the hospital as she needed 24 hour care and my Father needed to be able to heal.
We learned of many helpful organizations and were able to get help immediately. When I realized that many of the things my Father needed would not be offered by Northern Health, I knew that we needed extra help so that he would be able to live in his home. I was told about CASI by the Northern Health and made an appointment to visit their office.
I was so relieved to meet with Linda Studley. She listened to what was needed and was very positive about being able to help. She arranged for an interview and assessment for Dad very quickly. The interview went very well and Muriel was a great comfort to Dad. She had so much information and knowledge of what areas he could receive assistance. Within a very short period of time a housekeeper began to visit biweekly. She quickly and efficiently washes the floors, vacuums the house and cleans the washroom. What a great help she is!
Since I’ve left Dawson Creek there have been times when I have been unable to get answers to questions and I called Linda in desperation one day. She was not only able to quickly assess the question but was able to give some information immediately that I found very useful.
I am very impressed with the amount of services offered for seniors. I know that without the help from the wonderful people at CASI, my father would have to leave his home.
CASI comes in where all the other organizations can’t. The volunteers and the staff efficiently and kindly give people relief and support.
I am truly grateful for their services.
Sincerely,
Bev
About the CASI project:
The Community Action for Seniors’ Independence (CASI) project is partnership between the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport and United Way of the Lower Mainland. CASI is a three-year project focused on the community-driven design and delivery of independence supports for seniors.
Do you, or a senior you know, need help with tasks, like yard work, house cleaning or transportation, to continue living independently? Share your ideas about what services will work best in your community. Learn more
It’s back – with a new name and innovative partnership. United Way Leadership Vancouver will launch this spring. The former Leadership Vancouver program that trained emerging leaders – from CEOs to well-known labour and social activists – is being revitalized to achieve positive change in communities and organizations.
Featuring a new curriculum, focused approach to civic engagement, and insight into Metro Vancouver’s most pressing social challenges, United Way Leadership Vancouver builds on the success of its predecessor. Offering essential leadership skills and hands-on community involvement, the program is expected to attract diverse participants from private, public, union and non-profit organizations.
Deborah Irvine, Chief Operating Officer of the United Way of the Lower Mainland, says the new program – delivered in partnership with Royal Roads University (RRU) – looks both to the past and future.
“If events from the last year teach us anything, it’s that changing a community – for good – demands ideas and actions from all parts of society,” she said. “Lasting change, however, also requires more. We need strong and creative leadership, whether the focus is on a neighbourhood, a particular workplace, or the wider community where we live.”
Leadership Vancouver previously operated from 1992 to 2007, providing learning experiences to people who subsequently made countless contributions to the community. Alumni have included Leah George Wilson, co-chair of the 2010 – 2012 First Nations Summit, Nadir Mohamed, President & CEO Rogers Communications Inc., and Robert Safrata, CEO Novex Delivery Solutions and member of the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Team.
In deciding to acquire and revitalize the program, Irvine said United Way sought a partner that had an outstanding record in leadership teaching and research. She said RRU’s own commitment to community service was a big part of the draw.
The new program will be facilitated by Royal Roads associate faculty who has extensive experience in leadership theory, community engagement, structured dialogue, and action research. With classes held at The Ismaili Centre in Burnaby from April to July, participants will strengthen core leadership skills, while exploring social issues affecting Metro Vancouver. The program will also feature a community project so that participants can put their new skills and insight to work as they learn.
Zoe MacLeod, Director of the Centre for Applied Leadership and Management at RRU, says the collaboration between United Way and RRU, in itself, demonstrates what is possible when different kinds of expertise come together.
“It is vital that we build healthy and sustainable communities together, as that’s where the challenges of the future will be solved,” says MacLeod. “Working with United Way to revitalize Leadership Vancouver is an example of how strong and vibrant leadership can grow to embrace an entire community.”
United Way Leadership Vancouver is open to 40 participants. Those who complete the program will be eligible to apply for academic credit toward RRU’s Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management.
To register for United Way Leadership Vancouver visit www.leadershipvancouver.ca
We celebrate and show our appreciation to the Loaned and Sponsored Representatives and the organizations and unions who supported the 2011 United Way Community Campaign through the Loaned Rep Program.
Loaned and Sponsored Reps are critical to the success of our annual Community Campaign.
Their involvement and contribution to our results wouldn’t be possible without the generous support and partnership of organizations and unions that loan their employees to United Way or sponsor a representative.
This year, 38 individuals worked with us. Twenty-six were on loan from the organizations in which they work, 12 were sponsored by organizations. And what a fantastic job they did.
A very special thank you goes to Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites management and UNITE HERE Local 40 staff members for presenting the December 16th luncheon. This is the 15th consecutive year they’ve hosted this event.
Click here to see photos from the event.
The 18th Annual Labour Appreciation Night was held on Thursday, December 8, at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown.
Thanks to Pacific Blue Cross and BC Life for presenting this year’s Labour Appreciation Night Dinner.
Guests heard from Keynote Speaker Adrian Dix, MLA, Vancouver-Kingsway and Leader of the Official Opposition of British Columbia.
The following Community Service Awards were presented:
Vancouver and District Labour Council
Syd Thompson Community Service Award
– Bill Saunders
Bill Saunders is passionate about culture, education, healthcare, poverty and homelessness and women and immigrants rights. His interest in these areas found voice through his tireless dedication to the Labour movement and numerous community organizations both locally, nationally and internationally.
As former President of the Vancouver and District Labour Council (VDLC), Bill forged relationships between the Labour movement and major ethnic communities across the Lower Mainland and around the world. He was particularly interested in building person-to-person links between Labour organizations in British Columbia and other countries. During his tenure as President of the VDLC, he organized and led five international solidarity tours. After a visit to the Philippines in 2008, he initiated an “Adopt An Organizer” program linking 12 local unions with union and community organizers who were suffering repression and violence.
Bill has also undertaken and supported many initiatives here at home focusing on domestic and temporary foreign workers’ rights. He was instrumental in fundraising and obtaining approval for the City of Vancouver’s first public recognition of an Asian immigrant, Hiroshima survivor and peace activist Kinuko Laskey in 2010.
Bill was also an active United Way volunteer having served on the Board and Campaign Labour Committee.
New Westminster & District Labour Council
Labour Community Service Award
– Renée Poley
Life-long Labour community activist and advocate, Renée Poley was born in Nipawin, Saskatchewan and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Seeing her parents exploited in their workplaces – a bank and a mine – as a child fostered Renée’s interest in union activism and community service.
She is committed to social justice and in particular the rights of persons suffering from mental illness. Her dedication to supporting persons with disabilities began in her early twenties when she realized that her son was developing in a different way from other children. She has served as Chairperson of the Langley Mental Health Advisory Committee, Vice-President of Stepping Stone Community Services Society and is the co-author along with her son of Hope through Compassion and Despair: a supporters guide to assisting persons with mental illness.
A retired British Columbia Government Employees Union (BCGEU) Education Officer, Renée started her career as a shop steward over 30 years ago. In 2005, she received the BCGEU’s highest honour, the Union Life Membership Award.
This honour is reserved for individuals who have given long and exemplary service to members, and who have dedicated their time and commitment to ensuring the union is strong and united.
United Way of the Lower Mainland
Joe Morris Labour Community Service Award
– Michelle Laurie
Michelle Laurie was born in Marville, France, where her father was stationed with the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was raised in Victoria, BC.
A ‘total socialist at heart’ she began her Labour career in north central BC while working at a Cassiar asbestos mine. In the early 1990s, she attended a Canadian Federation of Labour Bread and Roses conference and was inspired by women in non-traditional roles. She has served as President of Local 258, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for almost a decade and as Vice President of the BC Federation of Labour between 2005 and 2010.
Michelle has been a tireless community volunteer working to ensure a just and equitable society where everyone has the benefits and securities necessary to survive. This belief led to her involvement with United Way of the Lower Mainland, where she went from co-chairing the Campaign Labour Committee to chairing the Board of Directors. She is currently serving as Secretary of the Board for United Way/Centraide Canada where she holds a CLC Labour seat. She believes strongly in community investment and in building a healthy, caring and inclusive community for all.
See more photos. Click here.
United Way of the Lower Mainland President & CEO Michael McKnight was a guest yesterday on CTV Morning Live. The segment featured our Imagine Gift Catalogue.
United Way’s gift catalogue provides 18 perfect presents to change the future.
The Imagine catalogue, available online at imaginegifts.ca, features gifts ranging in price from $6 to $1,200. When donors purchase a gift from the catalogue, they will be sent a card, with an image of the gift purchased to be given to a friend, family member or colleague.
Each gift in the catalogue represents a program or service that is funded through United Way. Gifts purchased help to support larger programs.
The Imagine gift catalogue provides a way to help underprivileged and at-risk children, families and seniors in 23 communities through the Lower Mainland region.
All purchases from Imagine are treated like any other charitable contribution and are tax deductible. Gifts purchased online, generate an electronic tax receipt as soon as an order is confirmed.
The recently launched CTV Morning Live news show is hosted by Aamer Haleem, Norma Reid, Marke Driesschen, and Ann Luu.
Click here to see the Imagine Gift Catalogue in action on CTV.
The downtown courtyard beside 200 Burrard Street was the scene of super human strength and agility on Friday, November 25. Six sumo wrestlers battled a challenging obstacle course to win a coveted gold trophy and to raise funds for the United Way of the Lower Mainland.
Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management | RBC Global Asset Management Inc. hosted the event.
PH&N is a financial investment company, staffed by professionals who spend their regular working hours on the upper floors of the 200 Burrard Street complex. The only wrestling that takes place in those offices is the mental prowess required to study numbers and assist their clients to be winners.
Once a year the PH&N staff breaks from their offices to flex their competitive muscles and to battle it out for the gold trophy to raise awareness for the annual United Way of the Lower Mainland Campaign.
This year, two executives from each of the three floors were teamed up to battle. Sumo wrestlers are pitted against the downtown courtyard concrete and man-made obstacles.
Spectators lined the walkways, the steps, and the Food Court to see Floors #19, 20 and 21 jostle for supremacy.
Employee Campaign Coordinator Scott Bassillion led the entire team into the final day of their 2011 United Way Campaign Wrap Up Event. His Master of Ceremonies, Trevor O'Reilly, introduced the adversaries and described the challenging course.
The crowds cheered as the contestants arrived, treading heavily and carefully down the stairs into their arena. The refs arrived with them and quietly looked about at the scene.
As the sumo wrestlers were introduced to the waiting audience, they were welcomed with a pelting of water filled balloons. In true courageous manner, they stuck out their chests and bounced the projectiles back! This was the warm up they needed. Now they were ready for the race!
Up the stairs as huge boulders crashed down towards them – OK, they were large plastic balls but they were fierce! Some of the men were so anxious to start off the race that they lost their footing on the steps and needed to be picked up by referees and visiting dignitaries.
Once they arrived at the summit of the steps, they ran to the left and came down another flight of stairs. At the bottom, they mounted skateboards and rolled towards mats. On the opposite side of the mats were baseball bats. They held the bats and ran around them in circles.
Next was the headstand competition where several helpers were needed to get a sumo onto his head!
So dizzy from the skill-testing exercise, the wrestlers flung themselves onto the waiting mats. The man on the bottom – the winner!
Thank you PH&N for a rousing afternoon of good belly laughs.
All the contestants welcomed our own United Way Mascot CARE-Y into their athletes' circle and posed with him and the coveted gold trophy.
Congratulations PH&N for another successful United Way campaign and for donating much needed funds for children and seniors in our community.
- Contributed by Gail Macbeth
Labour movement brothers and sisters joined together Nov. 29 to network, share successes and experiences.
Two outstanding labour and community leaders were recognized at the breakfast: Gwenne Farrell, Vice-President, Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union Local 378 and Dan Klassen, Assistant Business Manager with IBEW 258 . Gwenne and Dan have both made a very significant contribution to the 2011 United Way Campaign.
As members of the United Way Campaign Cabinet and Co-Chairs of the Campaign Labour Committee, Gwenne and Dan represent the best in community spirit and are essential to United Way’s success this year.
They are visionary and dedicated community leaders who provide their time and expertise to unite union members in the workplace to raise the resources we need. Resources that will help more children be developmentally ready for school and to grow up healthy, happy and resilient and help more seniors stay active and live independently.
The role of the Campaign Labour Committee is to work year-round to help ensure that United Way’s message gets out to workers and union members across BC. They encourage members to support United Way in the community where they live and work.
Meanwhile, the CLC United Way Union Counselling program is a cornerstone of the Labour and United Way partnership. Together we are helping to improve the quality of life for people who work, make their home and raise their families here in BC.
Stay Connected