The United Way of Greater Victoria has launched a campaign to help people across Vancouver Island looking for mental-health support as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Blue Love Campaign has been kicked off with a $100,000 donation from Peninsula Co-op, in which the company will match all money raised up to the $100,000 level. The overall goal is to raise $1 million by the end of the year for services like counselling, peer support and outreach.
The name of the campaign stems from the notion that some hearts have been left black and blue from things like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We expect this campaign will allow our valued frontline agencies to help blue hearts turn red by individuals knowing they aren’t alone anymore,” said Mark Breslauer, chief executive for the United Way of Greater Victoria.
Community partners helped through the campaign include Family Services of Greater Victoria, Mental Health Recovery Partners and the Sooke Family Resource Society.
To donate, go to uwgv.ca/bluelovecampaign.
Our Place and Cool Aid to build Tenant Starter Kits
Our Place and Cool Aid are joining forces with the region’s faith communities to help people withoug homes who are moving into new accommodations.
The aim is to collect basic supplies to make Tenant Starter Kits.
A large-scale transition of people has begun as the province and the city try to find indoor housing by April 30 for those who have been sheltering outdoors.
Steven Seltzer, Our Place manager of special events and corporate giving, said the request for donations is being made through faith groups in part because of storage limitations at Our Place and Cool Aid.
“We’re asking for all the faith groups that participate to hold onto everything, and then as soon as we hear someone’s moving into their own home — that whole new incredible experience — we can provide them all the necessities to help them succeed.”
Items will be placed in large bins or wheeled luggage, along with a card offering best wishes from the donating group.
Seltzer said the hope is that items won’t be dropped off at either agency, although Our Place will still gratefully accept clothing to give out to people in need.
He said Our Place has heard from many faith groups that say they wish they could help in some way, even as there have been limitations on getting together as congregations. “This is actually a great way for them to continue that feeling of service.”
Our Place director of communications Grant McKenzie said a few items can really make a difference to someone going into a new place.
He said simple needs like a kettle or cleaning supplies can really help someone who is moving into a home with few possessions.
McKenzie said Our Place has always had a good relationship with the faith community, pointing out that they also run the Angel Gifts program for Our Place clientele at Christmas.
Contact Seltzer at 250-940-5064 or stevens@ourplacesociety.com, Janet Davies at 250-940-5060 or janetd@ourplacesociety.com for more details. A list of donation suggestions is at ourplacesociety.com/tenant-starter-kits.
Victoria: grants up to $5,000 for projects
The City of Victoria has close to $130,000 in funding available for its My Great Neighbourhood Grant program.
Funding in 2020 went to such community projects as tree planting, lighting, traffic calming and community-garden improvements. Previous initiatives have included murals and playgrounds.
Grants available this year can range up to $5,000.
“With the pandemic still keeping us at home but apart, our neighbourhoods have never been more important to build a sense of belonging through community,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. “I’m excited to see the creative ideas proposed that will build community through connections and enhance Victoria’s neighbourhoods.”
Victoria residents, schools, not-for-profit organizations and ad hoc community groups, can apply. Applicants are expected to provide an equivalent contribution through volunteer time and in-kind donations. As well, a non-profit sponsor is needed for applicants without not-for-profit status.
The program has given out $629,959 in funding since it began in 2016. Last year, $180,000 in matching funds went to 51 projects.
Applications are being accepted until Oct. 31, with grants being approved on a rolling basis.
Apply at victoria.ca/neighbourhoodgrants.
Wounded Warriors cancel run, but campaign goes on
Organizers of the Wounded Warrior Run B.C. say they have made the tough decision to cancel this year’s event, which had been set to begin today after being pushed back from February.
Despite the COVID-19-related cancellation, the fundraising total is at $75,000 and counting thanks to sponsors and individuals.
“We won’t stop raising awareness and funds for life-changing and family-saving programs and services for members of our military, veterans and first responders who have been impacted by operational-stress injuries such as PTSD,” organizers said in a statement. “No matter when or where we are running on Vancouver Island, we are truly #InThisTogether.”
The plan is to be back in 2022 with eight people running the length of Vancouver Island relay-style in just eight days.
More information can be found at the Wounded Warrior website.
How to apply for funding to give literacy a boost in B.C.
Applications are being accepted through April 16 for Community Adult Literacy Program funding, for projects dealing with Indigenous literacy, adult literacy and family literacy.
Program services are provided by community-based organizations together with public post-secondary institutions, or by public post-secondary institutions themselves.
With Indigenous literacy, preference for funding goes to initiatives delivered by organizations controlled by Indigenous communities, while adult literacy is to help individuals with reading, writing, math, oral communication, digital technology and learning skills.
Family literacy works to improve to reading and writing skills of family members.
The Community Adult Literacy Program has received a one-time top-up of $500,000, which means a total investment of $2.9 million in 2020-21. The services provided the program are free and generally come via schools, Indigenous friendship centres and community centres.
An estimated 700,000 people in B.C. have significant literacy issues, according to the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. Of those, 38.9 per cent are employed, 36.6 per cent are unemployed and 13.1 per cent are retired.
For application details, go to https://bit.ly/3wzyoq5.
