As you鈥檙e reading this column, copies of our annual magazine, Pulse, are hitting the shelves around Greater Victoria, inviting you to take a read and discover what鈥檚 happening in our local non-profit community.
Pulse is in many ways the 鈥渟o what?鈥� result of the annual Victoria鈥檚 Vital Signs report. Through relevant data and a resident survey, Vital Signs looks at what鈥檚 working, and what鈥檚 not, in the capital region. Pulse looks at how the Victoria Foundation and other non-profits have responded to Vital Sign鈥檚 findings, and in what ways we are working on making Greater Victoria a vibrant, caring community for all.
Our feature article looks at Gov. Gen. David Johnston鈥檚 challenge six years ago to work toward making sa国际传媒 a smarter, more caring nation. His Excellency in particular felt community foundations play a key role in enhancing Canadian communities. We at聽the Victoria Foundation agree.
In response to this challenge, the Victoria Foundation established the Smart and Caring Community Fund, which supports programs that are proactive, measurable and responsive to Vital Signs. Working in areas such as physical literacy, community sport and matching funds, we have taken the Governor General鈥檚 words to heart through our priorities.
Another feature looks at how the Victoria Foundation works beyond its role as a granting organization to actively engage in community building. Fostering and promoting collaboration is a major focus of our work and聽the foundation is taking a leadership role in strengthening the non-profit sector by bringing together often disparate groups.
With July 1 upon us, Pulse also offers a timely opportunity to explore some of the sa国际传媒 150-related events and projects happening in our region made possible by the Community Fund for sa国际传媒鈥檚 150. In total, $366,983 was granted out to 35聽organizations to fund projects that encourage participation, inspire a deeper understanding and build healthy communities, all聽in the name of the sesquicentennial.
You can find all of this plus articles on the Vital Youth program, the Food Rescue project, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Nature Camp, GivingTuesday, Random Acts of Kindness Day, the Community Knowledge Centre, and so much more.
You can find your copy of Pulse at grocery stores, recreation centres and libraries around the region, or online at victoriafoundation.ca.
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
