Vancouver Foundation

Spring 2013

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The First Word . . . Taking stock and moving forward Faye Wightman Gord MacDougall President and CEO Chair, Board of Directors Vancouver Foundation Vancouver Foundation Knowing where we've come from is just as important as knowing where we're going. And in this, the 70th year of Vancouver Foundation's existence, we celebrate the foundation of our past, take stock of how far we've come, and look to the future with great hope and optimism. It's a year of transition for Vancouver Foundation and we are excited to share what's ahead, while reflecting on some of the great projects and initiatives we have had the privilege to support in recent months. This past March, the provincial government provided $2 million to our Giving in Action Society (GIA), enabling it to continue granting for the remainder of the year. Not only was this a huge vote of confidence in the work GIA is doing, but that infusion of cash will throw a lifeline to at least 60 families in BC who are living with a family member with a disability – families like the Moys whose lives were transformed thanks to the construction of a simple fence (page 22). By the time you read this, the provincial election will be old news, and a newly elected government will be settling in. No matter which way the wind blows in Victoria, we remain committed to the two priorities we set in the past year: supporting initiatives to increase neighbourhood connections and build bridges between cultures; and our commitment to break the cycle of homelessness for vulnerable youth in government care through our Youth Homelessness Initiative. You'll see examples of these priorities in the grants that supported Kimberly Wood's initiative to connect her neighbours through a workshop on Deaf culture (page 14) and the work of Watari Counselling and Support Services that has impacted the lives of many young people (page 20). Focusing on our priorities is just one of the ways we're contributing to building Smart and Caring Communities – a national community foundation movement spearheaded by Governor General David Johnston to build a smarter and more caring nation in the lead-up to Canada's 150th birthday. We've announced the creation of a Smart and Caring Communities Fund to specifically support this initiative in the metro Vancouver area. Learn more about our "Case for a Caring Community" on page 8. This year, we bid a fond farewell to outgoing board members John McLernon and Dr. Vera Frinton, whose guidance and leadership over the last six years have left an indelible mark on Vancouver Foundation. At the same time, we welcome the newest addition to our board: Jason McLean, president and chief executive officer of the McLean Group. And finally, a physical transition for the Vancouver Foundation team. We've moved! Only a few blocks, but it's a new space, in a new neighbourhood. We're now on the second and third floors of the BC Turf Building at 475 West Georgia (northeast corner of Richards and Georgia). At the risk of a few jokes . . . it's the building with the bull outside. This issue offers a glimpse into the important and impactful work in the community made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners. May these stories inspire you as they inspire us and continue to be a source of light and hope in our work, even through times of transition. Publisher's note: I, too, am embarking on a significant transition in the coming months. I have decided to retire from Vancouver Foundation to allow for more time with my family, but will continue to work in the non-profit sector on a part-time consulting basis. These past eight years as president and CEO of Vancouver Foundation have been among the most exciting and rewarding years of my career. It has been my privilege to serve our community in this capacity. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey. –Faye Wightman page 2 I Vancouver Foundation l Spring 2013 p2-3 Frstwrd_TOC_Masthd.indd 2 Photos: Claudette Carracedo 13-05-22 1:23 PM

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