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December 14, 2010
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Alethea’s a lucky girl. The petite three-year-old clambers up the metal steps, then gleefully launches herself down the slide. That might seem ordinary enough. But Alethea is blind, and many kids like her don’t know the simple joy of movement. That’s because physical activity – even sliding down a...
December 17, 2009
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Red Cross Many refugees arrive in Canada with nothing. Sometimes they are distressed or demoralized from years in refugee camps. The Red Cross Society’s First Contact Program helps them get the information they need, almost as soon as they touch foot on Canadian soil. First Contact operates a 24-...
December 17, 2009
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It’s a warm August evening in the Downtown Eastside, and a community room at the Portland Hotel Society is filled with women being pampered with haircuts, manicures, massages, makeup applications and facial scrubs. In the middle of it all, Cherryse Kaiser is finishing up a reiki treatment. She’s as...
December 14, 2009
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A 13-year-old cooks all the meals for her three siblings because her alcoholic parents are often incapable of caring for their children ... A 12-year-old does her best to take care of her mentally ill mother ... A 16-year-old feeds and bathes his ailing grandfather ... This is the secret world of...
June 17, 2009
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Shea Jim is standing on the pitcher’s mound at Nat Bailey Stadium. At nine years old, she’s almost lost in this huge field of green. The people in the stands, including her family, can barely pick her out. She’s calm, waiting. It’s July 31. The Vancouver Canadians are taking on the Salem- Keizer...
December 18, 2008
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As part of the Peachland Wellness Centre’s fitness program, Judy Wyper checks her pedometer on an early morning walk. By 8 a.m. Beach Avenue is already busy with people walking along the 11 kilometres of gorgeous public waterfront that line the edge of Okanagan Lake. Bliss Bakery is open and living...
December 18, 2008
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Kelly Murphy has had a difficult and challenging life: full of highs and lows, stops and starts. The talkative and energetic Murphy grew up in a family plagued by problems. By seven, she was experimenting with drugs and alcohol. By 17, she was an IV drug-user, leading a nomadic life and moving “...
December 17, 2008
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Britannia World Music Society The beat goes on... The Youth to Youth Marimba Program is an expansion of the Britannia World Music Society – a program that teaches students in east Vancouver how to play this percussion instrument. The program uses members of “Kutapira” -- its senior ensemble of...
December 17, 2008
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Special Olympics BC Meet 4 year old Oliver Sutherland, an athlete in training. Oliver is getting a chance to work on his basic motor skills with the Active Start program that is available for children with disabilities between the ages of 2 to 6. The program provides parents with education and fun...
December 17, 2008
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Special Olympics BC Ken McLean doesn't mince words. He gets right to the point, with a sincerity that’s unnerving and refreshing at the same time. McLean is 44. He has a job that he likes. He has a girlfriend (Annabelle) who he really likes, and an apartment on Main Street. He likes to cross-...
December 18, 2007
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University students lead busy lives, often working while going to school. Imagine being a parent on top of that and struggling to find daycare for your child. The SFU Childcare Centre is popular with both students and faculty for their convenience and excellent care. Because of the success, they’re...
December 18, 2007
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Over the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in the number of children diagnosed with Type Two Diabetes. This UNBC program is trying to reverse this trend by offering hope to kids who are at risk for developing the disease. The study explores issues such as weight gain, lack of exercise...
December 18, 2007
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Crystal meth is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that is destroying lives. Vancouver’s Theatre for Living brings attention to the drug through an innovative new play about the struggles of addiction. Meth enlisted actors that have all dealt with addictions and brought to stage their personal...
December 18, 2007
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Measuring Up is working to ensure that BC will be recognized as the world leader in accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities by 2010. The new program is part of the Accessible and Inclusive Community Project that examines community experiences to further develop better practices to...
December 18, 2007
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“We kick, punch, elbow strike…” And the teachers at this summer camp encourage it. Many children with developmental disabilities need encouragement. They often feel different and isolated. That’s why Richmond Committee on Disability has created a martial arts summer camp program that gives children...
December 18, 2007
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KidSafe provides healthy meals, learning and fun activities for children in Vancouver’s inner city. The program is geared towards vulnerable kids, giving them a place to go after school and an opportunity to try new things. “If you aren’t doing well at school or things aren’t good at home, it’s...
December 18, 2007
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Never in her wildest dreams did 10-year old Kelyn Clowes think that breaking a board would be on her list of summer accomplishments. But after summer camp training at Master Sirota’s Martial Arts Centre in Richmond, Kelyn was effortlessly chopping boards in half with her tiny hand. In her second...
December 18, 2007
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Vancouver welcomes thousands of new immigrants every year. However, their integration into Canadian life isn't always easy. The North Shore Multicultural Society’s Igniting Colours of Resistance program is dedicated to working with youth and community groups on anti-racism education and integration...
December 18, 2007
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Pivot believes that everyone, regardless of income, benefits from a healthy and inclusive community where respect and equality are strongly rooted in the law. The Strategies for Change project increases access to justice for Vancouver’s most needy. In addition to supporting this program, Vancouver...
December 17, 2007
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Victorian Order of Nurses Caring for an elderly or incapacitated family member in the home can be a challenge. The Victorian Order of Nurses created the Family Respite Centre to give caregivers a break. Families can bring their relatives to a day or overnight program at the Centre where music...
December 17, 2007
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University of British Columbia - School of Rehabilitation Science As people age they can lose cognitive function: the brain’s ability to reason, memorize and learn. Hip Health Research studies the effects that physical exercise has in the functioning of senior’s brains. Researchers conducting the...
December 17, 2007
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Prostitution Alternatives Counseling and Education Society (PACE) EPIC is a new project aiming to strengthen communication between sex workers and communities. Through artistic involvement, sex workers use art to address issues of the industry. “It is meant to provide empowerment and to act out of...
December 17, 2007
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SWOVA and Howe Sounds Women's Centre Vancouver Foundation understands the importance of violence prevention and funded two worthy initiatives aimed at curbing violence in our society. The Respectful Relationships program is the brainchild of Saltspring Women Opposed to Violence and Abuse. The...
December 17, 2007
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Vancouver Foundation - Youth Philanthropy Council Civic engagement is important, especially for our youth. Vancouver Foundation is nurturing the next generation of volunteers with our Youth Philanthropy Council. Young people on the council invite youth organizations to submit proposals and then...
December 17, 2007
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Poverty doesn’t just exist in the developing world, it’s a daily reality for people right here in BC. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul not only helps the less fortunate, but offers the tools that allow them to help themselves. The society and over 400 volunteers...