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 KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA – BC & YUKON BRANCH Since 1964, the Kidney Foundation has supported world class kidney health and transplant research, facilitated by communi- ty donors who are vital to the tremendous advancements the organization has seen over the years in kidney care. Some of the major milestones include better prediction and prevention of kidney disease, devel- opment and improvements in dialysis treatment, so kidney patients can dialyse at home, and breakthroughs in life-saving organ transplantation and success. "Donor support is key to even more discoveries in the years to come," says Ramya Hosak, Director of Philanthropy with Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC & Yukon Branch. "We have the power to relieve the burden of kidney disease, but it's only possi- ble with your help." The Kidney Foundation of Canada - BC & Yukon Branch has served thousands of kidney patients in the local community, ensuring marginalized and vulnerable pop- ulations have equitable access to programs, services and treatments. "The overwhelming support from the significant number of impacted kidney patients in the community in spreading the word about our support services, resourc- es, research and community engagement events has been instrumental in reaching businesses and donors," Hosak says. A current initiative from Kidney Founda- tion is Choosing Kidney Car—a hassle-free way to get rid of an old vehicle while bene- fiting kidney patients across BC and Yukon. The program picks up all kinds of vehicles, running or not, usually within 48 hours, leaving behind a charitable tax receipt for $700 or more. Vehicles donated to the program are 100% recycled or sold to be re-used. "It's the fastest, easiest and most trustworthy way to get rid of an unwanted vehicle," Hosak says. "By doing so you will support the 1 in 10 Canadians living with chronic kidney disease. Help improve lives and donate your vehicle today." SALVATION ARMY As the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada, The Salvation Army offers unprecedented support to society's most vulnerable. "When you give to The Salvation Army, you are giv- ing hope today by investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people," says Gina Haggett, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations from The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth in London, England, in 1865. In 1882 they began work in Canada and immediately started to help those in need. Today, it operates community and social service programs that feed, clothe and shelter individuals and families, while helping those living in crisis escape violence and addiction. "Across British Columbia, The Salvation Army operates in over 50 communities, over 400 communities across Canada, and more than 130 countries around the world," Hag- gett says. "We provide direct, practical and compassionate support to over two million people each year in Canada." Last year across the country, 3.9 million meals were served at shelters and in feed- ing programs, 359,000 people were helped at Christmas with food hampers and toys, 1,500,000 people were assisted with food, clothing or practical assistance, and 1,100 people were helped when an emergency or natural disaster struck. Those numbers don't include 115,000 students who were fed through school meal programs or the 4,800 shelter, addictions, detox and mental health beds provided. "Financial support is needed to continue to fund our vital programs and services," Haggett says. "Many of our programs rely on the hard work and time our volunteers give." LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS AT: MOSAIC mosaicbc.org Please scan the QR code to donate or visit mosaicbc.org/ donate-now Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC & Yukon Branch kidney.ca Vancouver Foundation vancouverfoundation.ca The Salvation Army salvationarmy.ca Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC & Yukon Branch The Salvation Army