As you鈥檙e reading this column, copies of Pulse magazine 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.
Why should you read Pulse, you might ask? The answer is simple: to get to know the people and programs that help make this community as great a place to live as it is. You won鈥檛 necessarily find stories such as these in other publications or on TV. It鈥檚 an opportunity to get deeper insight into the charitable organizations, researchers, volunteers, donors and businesses that are at the front lines in the struggle to improve our region.
From grassroots projects, such as our story on neighbourhood small grants, to more complex activities such as our feature story on Indigenous wisdom, Pulse showcases what can happen when people come together to tackle small and big issues alike.
For example, the magazine鈥檚 first article looks at how the Victoria Foundation is partnering with others to use data and research to identify needs and direct community programs. From looking at how residents with disabilities navigate challenges and connect to local supports, to monitoring systems to improve local food security, readers will learn about some of the innovative thinkers tackling these difficult issues.
An incredible range of local donors and the professional advisers who have helped them are also profiled in the pages of this issue of Pulse. Individuals, couples, groups and businesses are all explored in a range of stories about philanthropic efforts aimed at supporting youth music programs, animal welfare, local marine history, veterans鈥� services, Indigenous support and more.
Beyond the features, a range of聽articles look at charitable programs in local high schools, random act of kindness day and a聽variety of interesting and dynamic projects that recently received grants from the Victoria Foundation.
Pick up your copy of Pulse at grocery stores, recreation centres and libraries around the region, or online at victoriafoundation.ca.
P.S.: In many ways, Pulse shows what鈥檚 happening in response to the calls to action coming out of our other annual publication: Vital Signs. Don鈥檛 miss your opportunity to complete this year鈥檚 Vital Signs survey before July 1 at .
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
