The Fresh to Families Project provides access to fresh, locally grown food for low income families, newly arrived refugees, and at-risk expectant mothers through its community partners at MOSAIC, Circles of Care & Connection, and VCH Healthiest Babies Possible.

When Peter Rodseth passed away in 2014, his network of friends in the Nechako Valley came together to support the family and celebrate Peter’s life. Together they learned so much about Peter, hearing about the lives he touched and how he mentored many young people.

CoDevelopment Canada (CoDev) is a Vancouver-based, non-governmental organization (NGO) that links labour and community groups working for social change. In particular, CoDev’s role is to build solidarity between workers in Canada and in Latin America. Years ago, a small Donor Advised Fund was established by CoDev at Vancity Community Foundation to help support its operations. But this story became even...

A non-partisan coalition that supports BC children, First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition has a lot to be proud of when it comes to stepping up for this province’s most vulnerable. In addition to overseeing the annual BC Child Poverty Report Card and Living Wage for Families campaign efforts, the coalition ensures a regular media presence in order...

We want to grow the next generation of ecological farmers in BC. Our ideal future would be that new and young farmers are able to thrive, and that people everywhere –from all socioeconomic backgrounds – are able to access healthy foods. We want good, ecologically grown food to become the heart of our culture and the way by which we...

When Lyle Truden and Jeff Rios were preparing to celebrate their wedding in 2013, they knew they didn’t need a bread maker, blender, or more towels. Instead, they recognized they were faced with the chance to do some real good. And so it was, they created the Lucille Harkness Memorial Scholarship Fund, providing wedding guests with the opportunity to assist...

Exceeding expectations is all the rage at Comox Valley’s Pet Treat Bakery. Not only do dogs get treated to a great assortment of locally sourced snacks, but the more snacks that Pet Treat Bakery produces, the more paid work is created for individuals with disabilities. This successful bakery, owned by the Beaufort Association for the Mentally Handicapped, now supplies a...

The Westcoast Genesis Society is a non-profit organization and registered charity that formed in April 2000. From the onset, its mission was to actively promote the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being of persons who are socially marginalized in the community. This led to supportive housing and programs for adult male offenders and the chronically homeless. Maria Keary Cottage is...

In 2004, Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery Society received the $1 Million Vancity Award through the Vancity grant program – as voted on by Vancity members – to finish its flagship 34,000 square-foot centre. At the time, it was one of the first projects to integrate addiction services, transitional housing, employment, and education services under one roof. The Centre proved...

Loutet Farm came to fruition in a unique partnership between the North Shore Neighbourhood House, the City of North Vancouver, and the University of British Columbia. Designed to give locals a better understanding of food production, Loutet Farm also means greater access to locally grown produce. Support for the Edible Garden Project at Loutet Farm began in 2013 when they...