With a mission to inform, empower, celebrate and advocate for British Columbia's current and aspiring business leaders, BCBusiness go behind the headlines and bring readers face to face with the key issues and people driving business in B.C.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1512670
SPECIAL FEATURE M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E MOSAIC Since 1976, MOSAIC has worked tirelessly to strengthen communities by supporting newcomers in building their new lives in Canada through economic, social and cul- tural development. MOSAIC has a full roster of comprehensive programs and services that are designed to benefit immigrants, refugees, migrant workers, LGBTQIA2+ com- munities, racialized communities, interna- tional students, temporary foreign workers and those from diverse backgrounds to help advance an inclusive and thriving Canada. MOSAIC has over 425 staff, 400 volun- teers and partners with over 50 community networks. Staff and volunteers work together with these community partners through em- ployment, settlement, language services, chil- dren and family programs, youth and seniors' programs, support for Private Sponsorship and Refugees, and counselling and health promotion to further success and a sense of belonging. MOSAIC is also the largest provider of employment services for newcomers in BC and partners with over 1,500 employers. MOSAIC has been sponsoring Afghan refugees since 2021 and aims to sponsor around 700 people—including families, women and children, and single refugee women—through its Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. So far, the program has brought 82 Af- ghan refugees to Canada—many of whom supported Canada's peacekeeping efforts in the country before the Taliban invaded. Millions of Afghan people have been forci- bly displaced by the Taliban, human rights violations—especially against women and girls—and two major earthquakes. They live in daily fear for their lives. "We are leaders in a massive effort to bring Afghan refugee families to a safe, new life," says Sharon Butler, Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships from MOSAIC. "We need to raise $3 million by the end of 2024 to bring all 700 people to safety, and we need your help." Donations to MOSAIC save lives, bring people to safety and help with hefty reset- tlement fees—an average of $20,000 for a single person or $35,000 for a family of four. "One hundred percent of donations will go to provide necessities of life and settlement support," Butler says. "Everyone deserves a place to call home." VANCOUVER FOUNDATION Vancouver Foundation is dedicated to cre- ating healthy, vibrant, livable and equitable communities across BC. The organization was founded in 1943 by Alice McKay with a first donation of $1,000. Since then, together with donors, Vancouver Foundation has distributed more than $1 billion to charities. "We connect generous donors with the energy, time and ideas of inspired people across British Columbia," says Craig Hikida, Vice President, Donor Services. "Together, we've been making meaningful, lasting impacts by supporting local charities. We've helped hundreds of donors create their legacies to make a positive impact in their communities. We've also helped hundreds of charities grow with endowment funds that offer stable income to support their mission." "We believe in community self-determi- nation," Hikida adds. "This has led our grant programs to be increasingly built on the principles of trust-based philanthropy." In practice, it has meant moving toward offering more unrestricted funding, multi- year and operational grants, and removing barriers for grant-seekers. With Donor Advised Funds, individu- als can establish a charitable endowment fund, receive a donation tax credit and recommend grants over time. Vancouver Foundation provides expertise and invest- ment options, so donors can leave a lasting impact. "You believe in a better world, and you want to help make it happen," Hikida says. "At Vancouver Foundation, we share your optimism. We believe in the power of giving and, with your help, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact in our communities—together." Vancouver Foundation MOSAIC