Taking the Pulse of Greater Victoria

As you’re reading this column, copies of our annual magazine, Pulse, are hitting the shelves around Greater Victoria, inviting you to take a read and discover what’s happening in our local non-profit community.

Pulse is in many ways the “so what?” result of the annual Victoria’s Vital Signs report. Through relevant data and a resident survey, Vital Signs looks at what’s working, and what’s not, in the capital region. Pulse looks at how the Victoria Foundation and other non-profits have responded to Vital Sign’s findings, and in what ways we are working on making Greater Victoria a vibrant, caring community for all.

Our feature article looks at Gov. Gen. David Johnston’s challenge six years ago to work toward making Canada a smarter, more caring nation. His Excellency in particular felt community foundations play a key role in enhancing Canadian communities. We at the Victoria Foundation agree.

In response to this challenge, the Victoria Foundation established the Smart and Caring Community Fund, which supports programs that are proactive, measurable and responsive to Vital Signs. Working in areas such as physical literacy, community sport and matching funds, we have taken the Governor General’s words to heart through our priorities.

Another feature looks at how the Victoria Foundation works beyond its role as a granting organization to actively engage in community building. Fostering and promoting collaboration is a major focus of our work and the foundation is taking a leadership role in strengthening the nonprofit sector by bringing together often disparate groups.

With July 1 upon us, Pulse also offers a timely opportunity to explore some of the Canada 150-related events and projects happening in our region made possible by the Community Fund for Canada’s 150. In total, $366,983 was granted out to 35 organizations to fund projects that encourage participation, inspire a deeper understanding and build healthy communities, all in the name of the sesquicentennial.

You can find all of this plus articles on the Vital Youth program, the Food Rescue project, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Nature Camp, GivingTuesday, Random Acts of Kindness Day, the Community Knowledge Centre, and so much more.

You can find your copy of Pulse at grocery stores, recreation centres and libraries around the region, or online at victoriafoundation.ca.