At this time of year as we prepare to celebrate the joy and comfort of our family and friends, it's a fitting time to consider those right here in our own community - who may not have the support that many of us often take for granted.
While good causes are everywhere, there are some excellent organizations based right here on the North Shore doing great work. The latest in our "Connect" series is especially close to my heart as I have had the privilege of working with most if not all of the organizations and individuals that are presented in this special section.
Most of us will acknowledge that giving is a personal choice; what we hope to do in the following pages is to introduce you to the causes; their priorities and some of their successes - I can share from first hand experience that each provides dedicated and much needed support. My hope is that this will help you and your family select a cause that resonates with you and encourage you to offer your assistance, participation and - if you are able - a donation.
By supporting each other we can help keep the North Shore the greatest place in the world to live.
FAMILY SERVICES OF THE NORTH SHORE
101 - 255 WEST 1ST STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER
Our focus
Family Services of the North Shore is an accredited, notfor-profit, community based organization that for 60 years has provided education, support and counselling to heal and connect the North Shore community. The agency serves three municipalities: the City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver, as well as the Village of Lions Bay and Bowen Island. We also lead the provincial work in the prevention of eating disorders.
Our people
60 staff and professionals + 289 volunteers + 2,214 donors = 6,500 people served in the community.
Testimonial
"I am always moved by a community of individuals who give so generously to people they've never met." - a Family Services of the North Shore client.
Our work in the community
Counselling - Individual, child, couple, and family counselling that supports family members who are going through divorce, separation, conflict, grief and other life-changing events.
Safer Places for Youth and Children - A prevention program that keeps children and youth safe from sexual abuse, sexual assault, social exclusion and bullying.
Stopping the Violence - Counselling for women who have experienced relationship abuse, sexual assault and/or physical, emotional or sexual abuse as a child.
I hope family centre - A play-based program that helps parents and children connect in healthy and secure ways.
Jessie's Legacy - An eating-disorder prevention program for children and parents.
Christmas Bureau - A program to ensure that everyone enjoys a healthy meal on Christmas morning.
Upcoming events
The 2nd annual Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau Toy Drive will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 at the Northshore Auto Mall. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your unwrapped toys to Pacific Honda and share a treat and cup of hot cocoa courtesy of Louis Gervais Fine Foods and Catering. For more information call the Christmas Bureau office at 604984-9627 or e-mail [email protected].
How you can get involved
Show us you care. Your generous gifts of time and money ensure that Family Services of the North Shore is able to serve the most vulnerable in our community. As an agency we strive to meet the needs of our community. We collaborate to ensure cost-effective use of our resources and we partner to ensure the best possible service for our clients. It is your strong support of our work that enables us to serve the community.
Core values
Integrity: Our word is our bond. We act fairly, responsibly and consistently.
Respect: We honour people, their differences and similarities. We act with compassion and openness towards others.
Community: We work as a community to serve our community. To us community is about creating healthy environments that allow us to achieve balance in all aspects of our lives.
Growth: We are committed to expanding our knowledge and wisdom. We are creative in ensuring our approaches meet the ever-changing needs of the people we serve.
THE GORDON AND MARION SMITH FOUNDATION FOR YOUNG ARTISTS
810 WEST 21ST ST., NORTH VANCOUVER
Our focus
The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists invests in the legacy of art. This legacy will become even more visible and accessible when we proudly open our new Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art in the fall of 2012 at 2121 Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver.
As the only gallery in Canada dedicated solely to young audiences, it will be a defining, enriching and enduring part of our community.
Our people
The Smith foundation is comprised of a dynamic board of 11 committed directors who are community leaders with a background in education, art and legacy building. Through the support of artists such as Gordon Smith, the stories and insights of one generation are shared with the next.
Our work in the community
We believe art changes lives, builds communities and touches souls, so we proudly support Artists for Kids. Their programs enrich the ability of our students to learn firsthand from those who have come before them. To continue our support of this work, we have embarked on an endowment campaign to raise $5 million to ensure the ongoing viability of Artists for Kids and to allow more children to discover their visual voice and be influenced by great Canadian art.
Testimonial
"The programs that Artists for Kids offer enrich the lives of our youth. We reached 5,000 young people last year, and it's through the work and support of the Smith Foundation that we're able to provide such an exceptional quality of programs and education to our future artists and leaders.
Thank you." - AFK Director Yolande Martinello.
Events
The Smith Foundation has been producing stellar community exhibitions for Artists for Kids in recent years. Our "Penhall's Studio" show last spring brought the community face to face with one of the North Shore's most endearing artists - Ross Penhall. Beginning in 2013 the Smith Foundation will produce an annual summer exhibition in the new Gordon Smith Gallery where we look forward to introducing the community to the acclaimed Artists for Kids Collection of Canadian Art.
Each June we host a fundraising luncheon with Gordon Smith. At this entertaining and anticipated event, guests are invited to bid on items donated by Vancouver's most prominent artists in silent and live auctions. Please visit our website for more information on how you can join us this June.
How you can get involved
Imagine walking through the doors of the Gordon Smith Gallery next fall, holding the hand of your child or grandchild. They look up at you in wonder as the space, filled with vibrant art, draws them in. Perhaps it's the first time they've been to a gallery. Certainly it's the first time they will have entered a gallery in our country solely dedicated to the young people of our community. This sense of delight that will be in their eyes is only possible through the support of people like you, who value art and art education. By making a donation to the Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation, a registered charitable organization, you too become part of our cultural legacy. And for that we thank you.
HARVEST PROJECT
1073 ROOSEVELT CRESCENT, NORTH VANCOUVER
Our focus
"Extending a hand up - not a hand out" is the motto at Harvest Project, where we assist people who are experiencing challenging life circumstances.
We channel community resources to provide physical, emotional and spiritual support to clients so they can overcome challenges and move toward self-sufficiency.
Our people
Harvest Project is a collection of more than 130 volunteers who bring valuable time, effort and expertise to client care, fundraising, warehousing and food recovery and distribution. Business leaders, computer experts, cooks, counselors, truck drivers, retirees and students work together along with a small staff and our board to serve more than 500 North Shore clients.
Facts
This past year, Harvest Project provided 3,400 coaching and drop-in sessions, 9,000 food hampers and emergency bags and 10,000 clothing items. 14,000 volunteer-hours were contributed. We've moved to a flexible, more cost-effective facility.
Our work in the community
Despite the North Shore being home to some of the wealthiest communities in Canada, critical financial and family needs are often overlooked and services can be scarce for those who find themselves in desperate times. Clients are often single parents, newer residents or immigrants or individuals dealing with chronic health issues. On the North Shore, several thousand people spend more than fifty per cent of their incomes on housing, and many are forced to go without food, medicine or dental care just to remain in their apartments or homes. Most are only an unexpected bill, illness, family crisis or job loss away from being forced into the street.
A recent story
Our client care workers provided counseling and groceries to a single parent who works two part-time jobs while attending university. We're helping the family learn how to stand on its own feet. Her aim is to now return the favour and help out Harvest Project - in turn, giving back as she has received.
Upcoming events
- Children's Christmas Party, Dec. 3: Children of Harvest Project clients are invited to breakfast and a visit with Santa himself.
- Food Drive (ongoing): A special "Fill The Van" event is set for Save On Foods at Park and Tilford Dec. 3. However, donations can be made at any time at all North Shore locations of Save On Foods, Price Smart Foods, Safeway, Extra Foods, IGA and Whole Foods.
How you can get involved
- By making a one-time or monthly pre-authorized donation, or consider leaving a legacy in the local community through planned and estate giving. Contact Harvest Project at 604-983-9488 (ext. 313) for more details.
- Through Matched Giving Programs: Your business can donate matching funds when employees contribute to Harvest Project.
- By organizing Christmas food drives and fundraisers: local businesses, clubs and organizations can collect cash and non-perishable food for donation to Harvest Project.
- By supporting Harvest Project's clothing thrift shop; donate and shop 1073 Roosevelt Crescent, North Vancouver, V7P 1M4.
LIONS GATE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
231 EAST 15TH STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER
Our Focus
For 25 years, Lions Gate Hospital Foundation has been raising funds to support the highest level of health care on the North Shore by purchasing medical equipment and technology, renovating patientcare areas and supporting staff education and research.
Our People
We have more than 10,000 individuals and organizations that support the Foundation through annual donations. A further 100 volunteers serve on committees and assist at various events. The Foundation board is made up of 20 North Shore residents, business and community leaders. There is a dynamic team of seven full-time staff.
Current campaign
In May 2011, the Foundation launched a $25-million campaign to build the Greta & Robert Ho Psychiatry and Education Centre (The HOpe Centre). The HOpe Centre will house the Lions Gate Hospital inpatient and outpatient psychiatry programs, the Djavad Mowafaghian UBC Medical Education Centre and a new home for BC Ambulance. Construction of The HOpe Centre is expected to be completed by late fall 2013.
Facts
Since 2002, the Foundation has raised more than $70M. These funds have contributed toward the expansion and renovation of the ER department; building the North Shore's first free-standing hospice; opening four minimally invasive surgical suites; and purchasing diagnostic equipment including CT scanners, an MRI and angiography suite.
Events
LGH Foundation hosts two annual signature events: The Wine & Culinary Gala in May and the Golf Classic at the Capilano Golf and Country Club in June. We are always looking for volunteers and sponsors for these two great events!
How you can get involved
You can support the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation by visiting lghfoundation.com to make a donation or by calling 604-984-5785.
Better health care for the community is a special gift - and it is yours to give!
NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
600 WEST QUEENS ROAD, NORTH VANCOUVER
Our focus
To accumulate permanent capital from donors in order to fund activities which improve the quality of life for residents of the North Shore from Deep Cove to Lions Bay.
Our people
The North Shore Community Foundation's volunteer board of directors consists of: David Alsop, Jan Argent, Chern Heed, Elizabeth McLaren, Tanya Murray, Aaron Kuzik, Janet Morningstar, Chris Kalbfleisch, Lizette Bell, Jackie Morris, Sue Ridout, Andrew Hoffman and Melanie Clark.
Facts
The North Shore Community Foundation administers over $2 million in assets in 25 different funds and disburses nearly $150,000 from fundraising and investment earnings to worthy local agencies every year.
Our work in the community
The NSCF strives to be the preferred vehicle for permanent giving - or contributions that will continue in perpetuity - on the North Shore. We maintain active contact with agencies that deliver services to residents in need
A recent story
Last year seniors bus services in North Vancouver (Go Bus, operated by the Silver Harbour Centre Society) and West Vancouver (Seniors Shuttle Bus, operated by West Vancouver Seniors Centre) received $50,000 from the 4th annual Mayors' Golf Tournament to allow them to continue providing this much-needed service. The remainder of the $126,000 that was raised at the 2011 event will go to the Mayors' Trust Funds, managed by the North Shore Community Foundation and the West Vancouver Community Foundation
Testimonial
"Thanks to the North Shore Mayors' Golf Tournament, the Seniors Go Bus will be on the road well into the future. The Go Bus is an essential support for frail and isolated seniors in accessing community services like exercise classes, grocery shopping, medical appointments and much more. In providing this funding, the North Shore Community Foundation is truly recognizing the importance of transportation in keeping seniors healthy and living independently. We're extremely grateful for this timely and significant funding - as are the seniors that rely on the Go Bus." - Annwen Loverin, executive director, Silver Harbour Seniors Activity Centre.
Upcoming events
Each year the North Shore Community Foundation presents the Mayors' Golf Tournament. The 2012 edition of the tourney will be held at the Seymour Golf and Country Club on May 25. The designated cause for 2012 is to support the creation of a complementary health and wellness clinic by the North Shore Women's Centre. Visit www.mayorsgolf.ca for more information.
How you can get involved
There are various ways to contribute to the North Shore Community Foundation, all of which are eligible for a tax receipt. Check our website for more information or call to set up a meeting. The NSCF also welcomes volunteers and corporate sponsors to help assist with the Mayors' Golf Tournament or to serve on the foundation's board of directors.
NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY RESOURCES SOCIETY
SUITE 201, CAPILANO MALL, 935 MARINE DRIVE, NORTH VANCOUVER
Our focus
Connecting people to local services for almost 30 years, North Shore Community Resources Society is where the North Shore goes for help.
Our people
NSCR is run by a volunteer board of directors, has 28 staff and more than 85 wonderful volunteers who help to deliver our programs and services during the year. Everyone is dedicated to helping those who live or work in our North Shore communities. Staff and volunteers understand the importance of providing accurate information, fulfilling requests for information and assisting people with forms and applications. Being accessible in person, by phone or electronically provides the North Shore with great access to information on programs and services.
Testimonial
"We are very lucky to have NSCR and the wonderful people who work there to support our community and its citizens."
Our work in the community
NSCR oversees a number of vital programs for North Shore residents:
- Information North Shore: our community's information and referral program
- Volunteer North Shore
- Child Care Resource and Referral Program
- Professional development opportunities and workshops for child care providers and parents
- Seniors' One Stop Information Program
- Caregiver Support Programs
- Legal Information and Advocacy Program
- Housing Information and Community Housing Action Committee
- Early and Middle Years Childhood Planning Tables
- WHEELS Early Childhood Community Outreach.
Upcoming events
- Volunteer for three-hour shifts at our Capilano Mall Charity Gift Wrap Booth from Dec. 9-24. All funds raised go to support NSCR programs. Free training, lots of fun and maybe a visit from Santa himself! Call 604-985-7138 for more information.
- We still have a few print copies available of the updated 2011 Green Book: Directory of Agencies and Organization on the North Shore. Call the NSCR office today to reserve your copy.
- National Volunteer Week is April 15-21, 2012 - a time to celebrate local volunteers. If you know of someone who makes a difference through their volunteer efforts, nominate them for a Community Volunteer Spirit Award at www.nscr.bc.ca/volunteer/volunteer.html
How you can get involved
NSCR depends upon community donations - all of which stay on the North Shore. As a local federally registered charity with the ability to issue tax receipts, more than ninety per cent of all donations goes to direct service in this community. Wondering about charitable gift planning? Regardless of your choice of beneficiary organizations, we can help you with a strategy. Contact Li Boesen, Executive Director at 604-982-3305 for more information.
NORTH SHORE NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
225 EAST 2ND ST., NORTH VANCOUVER
Our focus
For more than 70 years North Shore Neighbourhood House has provided programs and services designed to meet the needs of individuals as well as the larger community. We believe working together to meet the grassroots needs of our neighbours - especially our most vulnerable residents - is essential to shaping a safe, healthy and strong community.
Our people
North Shore Neighbourhood House relies on a team of more than 400 volunteers that donates thousands of hours each year to keep programs and initiatives running smoothly for local seniors, children and youth. The North Shore Neighbourhood House also collaborates with more than 120 partner organizations within the North Shore community to ensure that precious resources are leveraged effectively and service duplication avoided.
Our work in the community
North Shore Neighbourhood House offers a wide variety of health and wellness programs, family support and childcare services as well as educational workshops and recreational activities for all ages. For those who want to grow their own fresh fruit and vegetables, the community garden adjacent to our building and our Edible Garden Project offer residents opportunities to mulch, hoe and grow your own healthy, fresh food - as well as donate locally grown produce to those in need. The Neighbourhood House Program Guides are updated four times a year. For our latest program guide go to www.nsnh.bc.ca
Facts
In 2011: - Nearly 3,000 lbs. of produce was collected both from generous produce donors and our Edible Garden Project sites and distributed both to the Harvest Project and directly to residents of local social housing complexes.
- 208 youth received one-to-one support from an outreach youth worker.
- 3,500 subsidized lunches were served to local seniors. - 12,676 parent/caregiver and children visits were made to our Family Resource Centre.
- 26,300 participations in our recreation programs
How you can get involved
To volunteer your time, contact volunteer services coordinator Kelly Hardman at 604-982-8314 or [email protected]. The North Shore Neighbourhood House also welcomes tax-deductible donations and gifts-in-kind from the community. Your gift can make a meaningful contribution toward a safe, healthy and strong community both today and in the future.
For more information or to donate, contact Leslie Konantz at 604-987-8138 or [email protected].
Our vision
To build a North Shore community that supports residents of all ages, abilities and cultures - a place where everyone has access to support, everyone is included and where everyone matters.
NORTH SHORE RESCUE
147 EAST 14TH STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER
Our focus
To ensure that North Shore Rescue (NSR) is ready to respond at any time - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - to search for and rescue persons in distress.
Our people
NSR's team is made up of a diverse collection of volunteers, each of whom brings with them different strengths and skill sets. As expected, we have paramedics, firemen and a doctor on the team, but also accountants, entrepreneurs, carpenters, engineers, students and more. All go through extensive training to ensure NSR is ready to respond to calls.
Facts
NSR performs approximately 100 rescues a year. The team trains every Tuesday night and at least one weekend a month. On average, each volunteer donates 500 hours a year to the team, which equates to tens of thousands of man hours donated to the local community.
Our work in the community
NSR's main priority is to respond to medical rescues and to search for persons lost in the North Shore mountains. However, we also lend assistance to other Lower Mainland search and rescue teams and provide "long-line" rescues to SAR teams without this capability. We also conduct educational talks, support community initiatives, provide first-aid services for events and are equipped to respond to urban disasters and/or local emergencies. NSR also assists the RCMP with evidence searches when required.
Testimonial
"The response from your rescue team was instrumental in saving the life of our daughter. She was snowshoeing on Cypress Mountain when she fell over the edge of a cliff.
We are eternally grateful to everyone who was involved in getting her off the mountain and into hospital." - parent of a woman rescued by NSR.
Upcoming events
North Shore Rescue will be conducting its annual regional all-agency Avalanche Preparedness Season, which involves the local mountains and helicopter operators, searchand-rescue teams, local police agencies and the Canadian Avalanche Centre. Our Avalanche Safety and Response Plan will be outlined along with interactive group Case CODE ALPHA scenarios.
Future plans
NSR is in the planning stages with the City of North Vancouver for the establishment of a new rescue base at their future operations yard. This is a major step in planning for the future of NSR operations as this new base will be a key equipment, training, communications and logistics hub.
How you can get involved
NSR is always looking for volunteers who are experienced with the outdoors. We provide extensive training including first aid training to all successful applicants. New members must complete a two-year training program, with a written and practical exam each year. NSR also depends heavily on public and corporate donations. For more information on volunteer and donor opportunities, go to www. northshorerescue.com.
NORTH SHORE STROKE RECOVERY CENTRE
INMAN ROOM, NS NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE, 225 EAST 2ND ST., NORTH VANCOUVER
Our focus
The North Shore Stroke Recovery Centre's mission is to assist stroke survivors and their families to recover to the best of their abilities in all aspects of their life.
Our people
With only four part-time employees and four part-time therapists, NSSRC is able to provide more than 30 hours of group and one-to-one therapy services every week. This service is only possible because of the 95 hours per week of support received from dedicated North Shore volunteers. We thank the community for this ongoing and much appreciated support!
Facts
Every year, more than 400 North Shore residents are affected by stroke - many of whom are left with debilitating conditions. The services provided at the North Shore Stroke Recovery Centre give stroke survivors the strong peer support and continued therapy that they need to help them recover as best they can.
Our work in the community
Since 1974 the NSSRC has been the North Shore's main service provider of stroke recovery and community reintegration services for individuals no longer receiving outpatient rehabilitation. The Centre operates in two locations - North Shore Neighborhood House in North Vancouver and St. Stephen's Anglican Church in West Vancouver - and our services have expanded to include almost 1,400 hours of speech, music and exercise therapy per year. Increased therapy improves the outcome for stroke survivors after a brain attack and as a result reduces the burden on the medical community for these patients.
Testimonial
"I am a senior who suffered speech and mobility challenges after a stroke and have been attending the North Shore Stroke Recovery Centre for the past five years. At the centre I receive speech, music and exercise therapy as well as the chance to socialize with fellow survivors. I am able to take handyDART transit to and from the centre and attend the program without my full-time caregiver. Without the friends I have made at the centre I would be very lonely and there would not have been a focus to my life. The understanding and encouragement I receive from the therapists, volunteers and friends at the centre have meant the world to me. There are no other programs that offer this type of environment on the North Shore and I would be devastated if the program were not able to continue."
A recent story
In September a survivor - who suffered a stroke seven years ago that severely limited her ability to speak - came to us with an iPad. A volunteer with computer training worked with this member to learn a speech translation application that was installed on the iPad. Within a few hours the member - with guidance from the volunteer - was able to formulate questions she wanted the computer to read aloud.
She is continuing to learn how to successfully communicate her needs, feelings and opinions with family and friends.
Upcoming events
Christmas Concert at Capilano Mall December 8, 2011 at 1 p.m.
How you can get involved
Without the support of North Shore residents we would be unable to continue providing valuable services to our residents. To volunteer or to make a donation, please go to www.nssrc.org.
WEST VANCOUVER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
1538 FULTON AVENUE, WEST VANCOUVER
Our focus
Through the growth and stewardship of donated and managed funds and by awarding grants to a broad range of recipients within the community, the West Vancouver Community Foundation provides leadership and philanthropic services that enrich the quality of life both for present and future residents of West Vancouver. Priority is given to projects where the emphasis is on health, education, the arts, social services and the improvement of West Vancouver's physical environment.
Our people
The West Vancouver Community Foundation was founded in 1979 by then-mayor Derrick Humphreys. Today, thirteen people sit on the volunteer board of directors, including chair Gerry Humphries.
Our work in the community
Since its inception the West Vancouver Community Foundation has accumulated net assets in excess of $4 million, has more than 42 funds, has granted more than $1 million to support local projects and organizations and awarded more than $160,000 in scholarships to students in West Vancouver.
The "three pillars" of the WVCF
1.Building endowment funds by attracting new donors;
2.Awarding annual grants to charitable organizations in West Vancouver;
3.Determining the unique needs of the community and how to best help meet those needs.
"The income we earn from our funds we give back to the community to make West Vancouver a vital, healthy and sustainable community, through the power of belonging and giving" says executive director Delaina Bell.
A recent story
The West Vancouver Community Foundation helped shepherd the development of the newly opened Rutledge Field artificial turf project at Ambleside Park, working in concert with the West Vancouver Field Hockey Club, West Vancouver Soccer Club and the District of West Vancouver to provide a new top-tier training facility for both the West Vancouver Field Hockey and Soccer Clubs.
Upcoming events
February 15, 2012: annual deadline for grant applications. Applications are available on the foundation's website.
April 3, 2012: entitled Maintaining vitality in your senior years. The foundation presents its annual speaker series at the Kay Meek Centre, moderated by Dr. Art Hister.
May 25, 2012: the foundation teams with the North Shore Community Foundation to present the 5th annual North Shore Mayors Golf Tournament at the Seymour Golf and Country Club.
How you can get involved
The WVCF is always looking for potential board and committee members and community volunteers to be involved in the grant and scholarship process. Contact executive director Delaina Bell at the West Vancouver Community Foundation for more information.
