As a community foundation, the West Vancouver Foundation understands the North Shore—from the local issues and needs to the people and organizations doing the best work to address these issues. The foundation has been connecting the generosity and aspirations of donors with the people and organizations that want to make change since 1979.
Their Give Where You Live campaign is an annual program that brings together a community of giving from across the North Shore to support some incredible local charities. This year, they are working with seven charities, supporting a wide range of projects, allowing you to donate to causes that are important to you, right here in your community. Plus, when you donate to one of these projects by Dec. 31, 2021, your donation will be matched – doubling your giving.
Foundry North Shore: Youth and parent wellness programs
Foundry North Shore is a multi-service wellness center for youth 12-24 years old. They are looking to raise funds for their Parent Education Series—hosted conversations with parents of youth, struggling with mental health or substance use issues—and their Garden for Youth—an outdoor space that will house a therapeutic garden, serving as a meditative space and meeting space for youth.
Harvest Project: Extending a hand up
Harvest Project impacts the community by breaking the poverty cycle and restoring people to healthier lives. Each month, Harvest Project ‘extends a hand up’ to individuals and families who are struggling. Your gift will help people in the community receive the help that they need to overcome challenging life circumstances.
Hollyburn Family Services Society: Vulnerable seniors support
Many North and West Vancouver seniors are experiencing homelessness for the first time ever. Sadly, it is not unusual to meet an 80-year-old living in her vehicle, or a senior veteran accessing the local shelter. Every year, Hollyburn’s Seniors at Housing Risk Program help hundreds of seniors who are aging into homelessness or at severe risk of housing loss.
Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society: Searching for Slhawt’ (herring)
Howe Sound Biosphere Trust, Canada’s 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region, facilitates and supports the organizing and planning of complex activities that bring allegiance to balancing development, conservation and equity in the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region. This project’s desired outcome is to increase Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound’s capacity to protect both ocean health and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture.
North Shore Rescue Team Society: Helicopter night hoisting capability
2021 has been an unprecedented year for North Shore Rescue. They operate in a challenging geographic location with minimal ground access in many areas. Helicopters are frequently used with great success, and many of the lost subjects may not have survived without the visual perspective provided to searchers from the air. NSR wishes to continue their evolution in helicopter rescue and is seeking funding that will allow them to expand their hoisting capabilities into the nighttime.
West Van Community Arts Council: Community art initiatives
The Arts Council’s mission is to increase and broaden the opportunities for North Shore citizens to enjoy and participate in cultural activities. This program engages the public to participate in art making from impromptu choirs to temporary public art. Led by professional artists and coaches, everyone is welcome to join in the art making process.
Donations made through the West Vancouver Foundation’s online portal are matched, up to $10,000 per project, from funds held at the West Vancouver Foundation from the Ian & Rosemary Mottershead Fund.
West Vancouver Seniors Centre: Feed the Need
The Seniors’ Activity Centre’s meal program began as the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light a genuine need among this community’s most vulnerable seniors, who lacked the means to access regular meals. Feed the Need provides three meals a week to vulnerable seniors who are struggling with food security and have no family or community support to help.
Caring Community Fund
If you would like to support the community broadly, the West Vancouver Foundation’s Caring Community Fund provides funding for their annual Community Grants program. In 2021, over 40 grants were issued to charities supporting the North Shore, and the needs keep growing. The areas of greatest need are determined by the West Vancouver Foundation’s Vital Signs research and ongoing assessments.
Donate now
In Canada, 60% of all charitable donations benefit only 1% of charities. It’s time to change that. This year, give where you live.
Donate online, by mail, e-transfer or contact West Vancouver Foundation to gift publicly traded shares. Tax receipts are issued for all donations. Call 604-925-8153 or visit westvanfoundation.ca/GWYL. Charitable Registration Number: 13217 1679 RR0001.
