I invite you to consider the importance of family.
A family is often the bedrock of an individual’s survival. Families offer security and support, and often unconditional love. They can help us overcome the hardships in life, and they’re often the first to celebrate our successes with us.
Families exist in myriad forms, be they biological or chosen, be they single- or dual-parent, or more. They can be our dearest friends, our neighbours, and our colleagues. Many in our unhoused community have created their own close-knit families who they turn to for support. I’m in awe of the boundless nature of family today; how our closest support networks can take any shape.
I also know how difficult it can be for many families to make ends meet today, especially as we draw nearer to the holidays. The living wage in Greater Victoria is now at $25.40 — up nearly five per cent from last year. With this demanding cost of living, more families than ever are turning to charitable services.
Considering this, it’s all the more important to celebrate the many local charities and non-profits dedicated to helping all types of families.
In particular, The Cridge Centre for the Family is celebrating 150 years this month. They are one of Western sa国际传媒’s oldest non-profits. What an incredible accomplishment to be celebrating a century and a half of nurturing our greatest support networks.
The Cridge Centre was instrumental in providing a space for the launch of the ABC’s of Physical Literacy program in 2012, which was the first recipient of a grant from our Smart and Caring Community Fund. The program engages children in age-appropriate activities and games that build their skills and confidence.
Today, the Cridge Centre faithfully delivers services for children, young parents and seniors, for families in need of transitional housing, for those facing intimate partner violence or debilitating injuries, and more.
I’d also like to celebrate the single parents in our region who are working hard to support their families, and the valiant work of the 1UP Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre, among other likeminded organizations, in offering them welcoming services like counselling, clothing, and mentorship, to help meet their needs.
The end of the year is a palpable time of generous giving, and lately the Victoria Foundation has been involved in a couple of initiatives that could really help strengthen families.
We’re supporting a brand-new Indigenous Priorities Fund created by the Indigenous Granting Advisory. $300,000 is now available to help local Nations and Indigenous organizations in the capital region to continue to build social, cultural, and legal infrastructure. Applications for funding are open until November 30, and I encourage everyone eligible, including those who support families, to apply online.
Over the next two years I’m pleased to say the Foundation will also be distributing $1.3 million dollars from the Province to organizations across sa国际传媒 that are working on food security and food sovereignty programs, including the Victoria Community Food Hub Society and the Mustard Seed Street Church.
Both initiatives will undoubtedly strengthen families in ways large and small, and I want to express profound gratitude to the community for keeping families in mind in their charitable giving this season.
Collectively we are a regional family, and it’s our duty, out of the goodness of our hearts and the will for wellbeing, to ensure every member can thrive, and no one is left behind.
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
