Hi Neighbour program wants your ideas
United Way launches project supporting 8 neighbourhoods
United Way Greater Victoria last week launched their Hi Neighbour Program with a ceremony in Esquimalt. The community-builder program provides support and services to seniors, people living with disabilites, those living in poverty, single parents and people with mental-health concerns.
Funding for the program comes from a $600,000 donation to the United Way from Seaspan and Southern Railway of British Columbia, with the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
The program will support eight neighbourhoods, including Esquimalt, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will incorporate residents’ ideas on projects they believe will have the most impact on their community. Residents can expect to see a postcard in their mailboxes over the upcoming week giving details about the program.
“Esquimalt residents value their neighbours and community and this project is a natural extension of the connectedness we already feel,” said Mayor Barb Desjardins.
“It is wonderful to see this emphasis on collecting ideas from our residents and businesses directly for a unique approach that is tailored to the township.”
United Way Greater Victoria will fund up to 15 micro-grants by Sept. 30, for community projects that show “local love” to support and strengthen the neighbourhood.
Residents have until July 15 to submit their ideas to community.builder@uwgv.ca. • For more information, go to uwgv.ca.