Giving Tuesday
December 3
North Shore women-run charity celebrates 10 years of giving
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A group of North Shore women are making a large impact in the community as they donate thousands of dollars to local charities..
For the past decade, women across the North Shore have come together to donate their money to local charities. 100 Women Who Care of the North Shore was created to be a simple yet impactful force in the community, said one of the group’s co-chairs, Naomi Chard.
“It’s a very tangible, close gift. You really know the impact that you’re making. It’s very rewarding in that sense,” Chard said.
December marks the 10th anniversary of the group’s launch, and to celebrate they are inviting the charities they have donated to over the last decade to toast with them at the Kiwanis Terrace in West Vancouver.
To give more back to the community this holiday season, the group will donate $5,000 from their endowment fund
to a charity as part of West Vancouver Foundation’s Give Where You Live campaign. For every dollar donated, the foundation will match the donation.
The large group meets quarterly for one hour to nominate and donate to a charity of their choice. During the meeting, nominations are placed in a box, where three are randomly drawn. The members
who nominated the charity then give a short presentation on that organization. Each member then votes for the charity of their choice, with the successful pick receiving $100 from each member That quickly adds up to $10,000 in just one meeting. Over the group’s tenure, the women have raised nearly $300,000 for local charities who serve or are located on
the North Shore, making a direct and positive impact in the community, Chard said.
“It can often be a game-changer for some of the local charities, enabling them to run special programs, making invaluable purchases to enhance their operation and even just stay alive,” she said.
Donations make impact
The 100 Women Who Care of the North Shore collective has donated to various charities over the last decade, ranging from food security and sports programs to shelters and mental health organizations.
But there is one donation that sticks out for Chard in particular
In 2019, the group donated to the North Shore Crisis Services Society A presentation was held a few months later where a woman came expressing the impact their donation had on her She shared how she was able to get back on her feet by getting an education and a job, Chard said. The room filled with emotion, all touched by her story.
“That was such a poignant moment,
Naomi Chard, Michelle Reining of Vancouver Food Runners, and Mary McGivern celebrate a donation at the 100 Women Who Care of the North Shore meeting in June earlier this year
Giving Tuesday ChaptersacrossU.S.and Canada
therewasn’t adry eye in the audience,” she said. “Her journey was abig one, but thegratitude that we felt because we wereall women, and we understand, and we could empathize…. It was really meaningful.”
100 Women Who Careofthe North Shoreisjust one of the groupchapters across Canada and the United States. The groupwas founded in November 2006 by Karen Dunigan in Jackson, Mich.
TheNorth Shorechapter started in Septemberof2014, formed by former executive directorofthe West Vancouver Community Foundation,DelainaBell, alongside other communitymembers Susan Beck, Nancy Farran,Barbara McMillan and Fanny Patterson.
Chard quickly joined after hearing about it through her involvement at the West Vancouver Community Foundation, andin2016 took on the role of co-chair along with MaryMcGivern.
Continuing the work moving forward
The group standsout for itsmodel,
and Chard is fortunate to see how far it has come as they approach this vital milestone.
“It is such acelebration, and it’s because of whatwe’ve been abletodo,” Chardsaid. “Look what agroup of women have donejustbecausethey’re motivated tomake adifference withinour own community.”
Chardsaidshe feels sheisgiving back tothe community by being partofthe group. Members have beenable to learn more aboutwhatorganizations on the North Shoredofor the community.There is no limitonthe numberofmembers for the chapter,Chardsaid, and theyare always looking for morepeople to join.
Thegroup’s10th anniversaryevent and meeting will be on Dec. 2atthe Great Hall of the Kiwanis Terrace starting at 6 p.m. Thoseinterested in attending can register by Nov.27. For moreinformation visit 100womennorthshore.com AbbyLuciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reportingbeatismadepossiblebythe Local Journalism Initiative.
NorthShoreNeighbourhood Houseisbuildingasafe, healthyand strongcommunity.
MISSION: to enhancethe livesofour neighbours especiallyour most vulnerable. VISION: asafe, healthy andstrongcommunity, welcoming allages,abilities and cultures– one whereeveryonehas access to support, everyone is included,and whereeveryonematters
We provide services forall ages including; childcareprograms, SupportedChild DevelopmentProgram, YouthParentProgram, YouthPrograms,TeenClub, Seniors Programs,FoodSecurityPrograms, Health and Recreation Programs,Volunteer opportunities. Looking towards2025, TheNorth ShoreNeighbourhood House needs the communities support with donations to ourFood Program. We have close to 1200 people perweek receiving food,and these numbers continue to grow. Youcan donate onlinethrough ourwebsite. We areauthorized to accept gifts of money,stocks andsecurities,realestate,personal property,lifeinsurance policiesand bequests.
We have faithfully supportedpeoplewithintellectualdisabilities for nearly 70 years. Help us today as we build alasting legacy inNorth &WestVancouver. Help build ourBarlynn Houseitand be an importantpartofa lastinglegacyinyourcommunity
Medical
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A group of Lions Gate Hospital medical staff are currently on a week-long trip to give life-saving surgeries to people in Antigua, Guatemala.
The 35 members of Team Broken Earth Vancouver, a branch of a national volunteer-based registered medical charity, will provide dozens of gynecological, orthopedic and general surgeries over a span of seven days.
“Through these missions, we are able to provide not only surgeries but hope and healing to those who have little access to such resources,” said Kristi Lange, a North Vancouver operating room nurse and leader of Team Broken Earth Vancouver, before the team left on Nov 22. “The patients we serve often live in extreme poverty and in rural, isolated regions, making this work necessary and
deeply impactful.”
A majority of the patients are Mayan, an Indigenous population in Guatemala, who have had little or no access to health care.
This marks the fifth year of volunteers going to the country. Team Broken Earth Vancouver is collaborating with Partner for Surgery, a non-profit in Guatemala that helps co-ordinate international and local health workers to provide care in rural areas.
Lange said when patients are identified needing surgery and don’t have funds or resources to get the care they need, they enter a database system with Partner for Surgery. Then, they are introduced to a “health promoter” for an area. The health promoter helps as a translator between the healthcare workers and patient and provides support in the recovery period Lange has been instrumental in supporting medical care missions
Medical personnel from the Vancouver area work in one of the four operating rooms at Obras Hospital in Antigua, Guatemala in 2023. KRISTI LANGE Continued on B5
Giving Tuesday
Volunteers work aroundthe world
Continued from B4
in places around the world.
When a7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti in January2010, Lange quickly went to help alongside ateam of medical care workersfromacross Canada. This eventu-
is excited to help thosewho need it most, but alsogainperspective.
“I thinkalot of people arealways complaining about the healthcaresystem. But at the end of the day,weare veryfortunate tohave access tohealthcarethat is, for
Thistimeofyear, many of us take thewarmthand security ofour homesfor granted. Forvulnerableindividualsliving with mental illnessand facing homelessness,thisisoften the most difficulttimeofyear.
Thisholiday season, your gift to the Outreach Program runbythe Canadian Mental Health Association North &West Vancouver Branch supports individuals living with mentalhealthconcerns manyofwhomliveintheir cars,onthe streets, or in unstableand insecure conditions
Your donation supports servicesfor precariously housed individuals on the North Shoreincluding butnot limited to:
•Vouchersfor food
•Transportationcosts ie. Gas cardsand bus passes
•Moving costs
•Counselling
Our Outreach Team reliesonthe generous supportofdonors likeyou tohelpindividuals get on thepathtomental wellness. northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca/donate
Charitable Number:
Makea
difference locally and donate this holiday season to continue our care of the North Shore community
Scan to donate directly or visit our website!
500+ es assisted with Affordable Child Care Benefits 5 ilie A 73,655 ome tax refunds for NSCR clients 27 of inco
1,459 endly phone llsand visits made rie ca 6,288 NSCR olunteer hours vo
December 3
Sears gets second life as North Shore Christmas Bureau
TheNorth ShoreDisabilityResourceCentrewillbe participatinginGivingTuesday
GivingTuesdayisa time when charities, companiesand individualsjointogetherand rallyfor favouritecauses. On Tuesday, December 3rd, please consider supporting the NSDRC.
We assist anyone,regardlessofage,withany kind of disability to help them live with dignity, freedomand joy. Everydollar received directly fundsthe programs andservicesweoffer.
No gift is toosmall!
BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
Inside the second floor of the old North Vancouver Sears store, it’s clear the Christmas rush has begun.
The department store at Capilano Mall closed its doors for good in 2018. The bottom floor was converted into the B.C.’s biggest indoor mountain bike park in 2023, but the upper floor has been taken over by Family Services of the North Shore, where the non-profit now runs its annual Christmas Bureau – a program that helps individuals, families and seniors trying to desperately to get something under the tree on Dec. 25.
This year, there are close to 3,000 North Shore residents on the list, a third of whom are under the age of 18. The main eligibility criteria are that they live on the North Shore and get by on what Statistics Canada considers to be a low income.
Christmas Bureau clients are matched with a sponsor business or family who will provide a basket containing toys, gifts and grocery gift cards that will deliver a bit of that Christmas magic we’d all like to think
is universal.
“What I love is that our community really is all in in supporting other people in our community There are reasons why people are having a hard time,” said Michele Varley, director of community hub programs for the non-profit. “And we’re here to help.”
Much like in its retail heyday, the former Sears space has been organized into departments where clients are offered clothing, housewares, books, even Christmas decorations.
“They don’t have the budget to go out and buy those things,” Varley said. “Because they’re trying to put food on the table.”
When they come, clients can choose which items are right for them or their families. That provides a critical sense of normalcy in hard times, Varley said.
“We all like a little bit of retail therapy, right?” she said. “This is nice for our families.”
There’s a “maker’s lab” where volunteers can fix up and mend anything that
INEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Pleaseconsider donating to the North ShoreBlack Bear Society on Giving Tuesday, December 3. Your support will help us provide education and outreach programs to encourage residents of the North Shoretopeacefully co-existwith black bears.
North Shore Christmas Bureau director Michele Varley and volunteer Azin Jounibeik with gifts at the bureau’s location in the former Sears at Capilano Mall. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN
GIVINGTUESDAY Giving Tuesday
December 3
Hundreds of volunteershelp keep Christmas Bureauspiritalive
needs alittle TLC beforeit goes to anew home. (The allusions to Santa’sworkshop can’t be avoided.)
There’sasmall mountainofbicycles in various states of disassembly,along with racks of others that areready to roll, waitingfor anew home. Obsession Bikes, a longtimesupporter of the non-profit,has partnered with Family Services to launch Wonder Wheels –aservicethatfixes up donated bikes and gets themready to go. Varley said they arealways deeply valued byclients because bicyclesrepresent mobility, exercise in theoutdoors,and fun.
“Iremember talking to one dad whohad a16-year-old daughter,so asingle-parent family,and he said the bike was his only wayofdoing somethingwith his daughter that they liked to do together,” shesaid Perhaps most impressive is the toy department with shelves filled with brand new toys.
“It’slovely when all the lights areon and we have Christmas music going. It’s super festive,” Varley said More than aplace to get their Christmas
shopping done, volunteersand staff are theretoget abetter understanding of their needs holistically and get themconnected with other services that can make a
MP Jonathan Wilkinson visiting North ShoreCommunity Resources
difference.
Everyyear,there’salways someturnover among the clients. Sometimesit’s because they’ve gotten back on their feet
and no longer needthe extra help, Varley said, although oftentimes,it’sbecause they’ve movedoff the North Shorein search of moreaffordable housing
The number of people applying tobe partofthe programhas grown by 20 per cent in recent years, she added.
The ChristmasBureau is always looking for people to signuptobeasponsor or to help with acashdonation thathelpsfill the gaps. Gifts for teens and tweens areusually the hardest ones to comebyamong the donations, Varleysaid, but gift cards are always an appreciatedway of letting them know theyhaven’t been forgotten.
Amazingly,there areonly three hired staffrunning the bureau. The rest of the heavy lifting is done by morethan400 helpers who volunteer their time. All of them, Varleysaid, find there’s abit of Christmasmagic in it for themselves
“We’realways happy to have more people come in. We have alot of fun here. There’salot of love and happiness here,” she said.
To learn moreabout the Christmas Bureau, visit familyservices.bc.ca.
GIVING TUESDAY
Let’s recognizeand support theremarkable work of our localorganizations, whose dedication strengthens our community every day. Join us in making adifference by giving back to those who work tirelessly to support families, seniors, and vulnerable populations across North Vancouver.
JonathanWilkinson Member of Parliament, NorthVancouver
Atoy shop featuring abunchofbicyclesisone of themain attractions atthe North Shore Christmas Bureau. PAUL MCGRATH /NSN
Ballet performancetoraise fundsfor Lions
ABBYLUCIANO
aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism InitiativeReporter
West Vancouver ballet dancerswill be pirouetting together at the Key Meek Arts Centre in December to raise funds for the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.
Nearly 40 dancers from West Vancouver ballet company Pro Dance will perform theretelling of Sleeping Beauty.But this is morethan atypical romantic show of afairycasting a sleepingspell on aprincess,it’salso acelebration of giving back to the community
“Lions Gate is the only big hospital who serves North and West Vancouver,” said Ciprian Stãnulescu, artistic director of the Sleeping Beauty production. “This is agood placewherewecan donate.The hospital [serves] everyone year-round.”
The BC United for ArtSociety, anon-profit that aims to foster artisticpotential across Canada, is organizing the charity ballet show.Stãnulescu is the directorofthe nonprofit andbegan the Sleeping Beauty production in 2023.
Stãnulescu said he chose Sleeping Beauty as it carries moresolos, letting dancers show offtheir talent, the music andsomething different other than The Nutcracker
“The main thing was musicand the story, which is averyknown and to be somethingelse other than Nutcracker.Because [thereis] too much Nutcracker,and
Continued on B9
Belowmarket rental housing foradults55+.
Onebedroom &studio suites in Northand West Vancouver
WeareaCRA-registeredcharity. Todonatepleasecontactusfor moreinformation.
Giving Tuesday
Ballet benefits hospital foundation
Continued from B8
I think Vancouver is missing very much art,”Stãnulescu said.
Last year, the charity ballet raised $5,827 for the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, and are hoping to raise a similar amount this time.
Stãnulescu is a world-renowned ballet master, winning multiple gold and silver medals at national and international professional competitions. Originally from Bucharest, Romania, he began training at age 10, attending the State Ballet Academy of Bucharest.
The Sleeping Beauty ballet dancers range in age and experience, Stãnulescu said, showcasing local talent for a good cause and allowing them to practice performing in front of an audience.
Some dancers are as young as six years old, while others are learning to dance on point shoes at 30.
“For us it’s a big happiness,” he said. “We try to do this to serve the community.”
Sleeping Beauty will take place at The Grosvenor Theatre in the Kay Meek Arts Centre on Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. Visit the Kay Meek Arts Centre’s website for more information.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative
Theocean provides us gifts allyear long. This giving season, give agiftback.
Theocean covers 71% oftheEarth’s surface. It’s thesource oftheairwe breathe, thefood we eat, andthe waterwedrink.The ocean evenbrings us joyand adventure. But it’s facing unprecedentedthreats. Whilewe cannevertrulyrepayit,we can helpprotectit.
Protect the ocean’s future with agifttoday!
For just $20 amonth, you canmake it happen. Support our Library Foundation in bringing renowned authors to our community,inspiring readers of all ages through unforgettable talks andevents.
Lions Gate Hospital is undergoing a number of changes that benefit
December 3
This is what Giving Tuesday means for non-profit groups
KRISTY HAYTER Contributing writer
It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day encouraging people to do good. The idea caught on and has since grown into a global movement, inspiring hundreds of millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Giving Tuesday makes an incredibly positive impact for communities, with $50 million donated online in Canada in 24 hours. Millions of generous people doing good make this level of impact possible through donations, volunteering, acts of kindness, and by amplifying the Giving Tuesday message.
Giving Tuesday inspires kindness and generosity, reminding folks that giving back can truly be part of everyday life.
The Giving Tuesday movement helps organizations with critical funding and the volunteer power so often needed to support their daily work and mission goals. Giving Tuesday can truly have a profound impact on non-profits, and a few wanted to share how thankful they are for the generosity of their supporters.
Tracy Brown, director of philanthropy at Covenant House Vancouver: “Covenant House Vancouver exists because of the incredible generosity of our community.
As an organization that is 85 per cent privately funded, donor support is crucial to our ability to serve the many young people who come to us for food, housing, and counselling. Our donor community enables us to provide the services needed to help change young lives for the better. The impact of Giving Tuesday truly makes a difference and we are so grateful for the support.”
Barbara Coates, executive director at Dan’s Legacy: “Dan’s Legacy works primarily with youth aging out of foster care, who, without any intervention, are heading directly towards a life of homelessness and street-entrenched addiction. By working upstream and supporting them when they first reach out, we’re helping them build a future for themselves through our trauma-informed counselling, life-skills and job-skills training programs. It’s thanks to the generosity of people who support Giving Tuesday that we can give a hand up to more at-risk youth every day.”
Tracy London, executive director at Ecojustice: “Since 1990, Ecojustice has been involved in two-thirds of all
environmental law cases heard at the Supreme Court of Canada. Ecojustice is proud of the critical work we are doing, and as a 100-per-cent donor-funded organization, we never do this work alone. The donations Ecojustice receives for Giving Tuesday help us ensure we can continue to tackle the most urgent environmental issues of our time We are beyond thankful for the donations received from coast to coast to coast, and are so appreciative of the support.”
Many more non-profits and charities echo this gratitude and would be thankful for your help this Giving Tuesday. Your acts of giving make a difference and contribute to healthier communities and a better world. This Giving Tuesday find a cause, person, organization, or community and spread kindness in any way you can Your gifts, giving, and generosity truly make a difference!
Kristy Hayter is the associate director of strategic communications at Ecojustice She utilizes her skills in communications, marketing, and philanthropy to make a positive impact on the world.
Forover37yearswehave enhanced Seymour Riversalmon populations and educated the public about theimportance of theriver as aresource for drinking water, wildlife and the forest.Our educationprogram has also been delivered to over 2,000 elementary school children annually foralmost30years. We restore, conserve and enhance habitatfor allspeciesinhabiting thevalleyand enhancesalmonid populations in our wild places
Ourfunding arrangements areinsufficient to maintain our conservation activities,education program, core operations and facilitymaintenance. Donations arecritical to enable us to continue our operations in 2025.
•Provide your time as a communityvolunteer
•Donatethrough our website
•Leave aLegacyGiftthrough Willpower
www.seymoursalmon.com @seymoursalmon
604-288-0511
Tracy Brown is director of philanthropy at Covenant House Vancouver COVENANT HOUSE
Giving Tuesday Emergency Services Gift Drive collecting toys for kids in need
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The holidays mark the gift giving season, where people head to stores finding the perfect present to put under the tree or fill stockings for friends and family. But it also can be the most stressful time of year for those facing financial challenges.
West Vancouver Police, West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services and West Vancouver Transit are teaming up again for their annual Emergency Services Gift Drive, collecting gifts for children across the North Shore
To spread the holiday magic, they are accepting donations of new, unwrapped gifts for children aged 18 or younger
All donations are delivered to the Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau, a non-profit that helps families bring a joyful holiday season for their children.
Cash, used toys or stuffed animal toys
can’t be accepted.
The toy drive marks its 19th year helping families around the North Shore.
Donations are open until Dec 20
Those hoping to donate can do so at the following locations:
• West Vancouver Police Department, 755 16th St., West Vancouver
• West Vancouver Fire & Rescue – Hall 1, 760 16th St., West Vancouver
• West Vancouver Fire & Rescue – Hall 2, 6272 Marine Dr., West Vancouver
• West Vancouver Fire & Rescue – Hall 3, 4895 Marine Dr., West Vancouver
• West Vancouver Fire & Rescue – Hall 4, 965 Cross Creek Rd., West Vancouver
• West Vancouver Transit, 221 Lloyd Ave., North Vancouver, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
GIVING TUESDAY AND KIDSPORTNORTH SHORE !
KidSport NorthShore (KSNS) provides funding foryouth to participate in organizedsport on the NorthShore.
Ourmission is to help every kidwho needs our help,to fulfillour motto: So ALL Kids CanPlay! We arealready planning foranother year of record need forfunding, andwouldbegratefulfor any andall supportthisGiving Tuesday.
WAYS TO OFFER SUPPORT:
• Donate Onlineat www.kidsportcanada.ca/britishcolumbia/north-shore-north-westvancouver/donate/ or click on QR Code below, and receiveaninstant tax receipt
•Donatebymailordropoff cheque payabletoKidSportCanada-BCat Delbrook Community Center,851 Queens Road, NorthVancouver BC V7N4E3
•Donaterefundablebottlesatany Return-it-Express location (printout sticker at thekiosk using number 604-842-9776 anddropoff)and win $100 Gift Card from theCactus Club at Park Royal!
•Donatesecurities, insurance policy, or makeabequest
NorthShore GIVES –Together
Hyper-focused on unleashing local philanthropy,NorthShoreCommunity Foundation is making it even easier for donors to maximizetheirimpact.
Through our Thriving Community funds, you choose the causes most important to you, and with the power of collective giving more
grants supporting vital initiatives will be made to local charities in thenew year.
Act today –every gift matters!
To discuss your giving plan ortodonate via cheque, e-transfer or securities please contact us info@nscommunityfoundation.com I 604.617.5055
Donate today at NSCOMMUNITYFOUNDATION.COM
NORTH SHOREBC
atHarvest Project.
Yes, Giving Tuesdayis an amazinginternationalday of giving, this year on Dec. 3!
Harvest Project is working through thatday to come alongside North Shore residents facing challenges that include family trauma,illness,job loss and the threat of poverty. You can helpinour work by donating onlineat: harvestproject.org. And, you can drop afood donationinthe box you’ll find inside the doorsofmany North Shore grocery stores.
Thanks for giving, volunteering, and letting your neighbours know about our work.Take aminute to lookusuponsocialmediatoo. Tell afriend. Someone you know may need Harvest Project’s help this Tuesday. Or on another Tuesday.
Our Community Cares: Harvest Project’s 2024 ChristmasHolidayCampaign
