While summer is an excellent time to enjoy the sun while spending time with family and friends, it has more often become a time of hardship. Climate change has been influencing the weather, and in recent years it’s increasingly left its mark on the forests, the wildlife and entire communities — Lytton and West Kelowna being two prominent examples.
This summer, wildfire branded a third of the structures in the historic town of Jasper, Alta. Even the town’s mayor lost the home he’s lived in for most of his life. I’ve been keeping the individuals and families of those 358 lost buildings in my heart and thoughts.
I’ve also been thinking about the many volunteers who’ve come together to support those affected. Not only are volunteer firefighters at the front lines, but there are many others from the nearby communities helping to feed, clothe and shelter those evacuated and who are living some of the worst days of their lives.
This really drives home the fact that volunteering, charitable support and philanthropy — the pure goodness of humanity — are the social safety nets that catch and connect us all, especially in times of crisis.
Here on the island, sudden wildfire recently took a large swathe of forest near our coveted Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, while other extreme weather events have impacted multiple island communities in recent years. Volunteers and charity have always been critical to rebuilding and strengthening communities who are buckling under the weight of uncertainty.
In Greater Victoria, all corners of philanthropy respond to weather-related crises, from food and clothing banks to mental wellness services, and from climate education to Indigenous knowledge initiatives. The philanthropic sector doesn’t just respond to crises but is vital to helping prevent them in the first place.
Community foundations have a role in bringing people together. At the Victoria Foundation, collaboration is key in any crisis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched the Rapid Relief Fund to support local emergency response, thanks to 15,000 donors, the Times Colonist and the Jawl family. The foundation also came together with the United Way Greater Victoria to disburse thousands of dollars in emergency funding from the Government of Canada.
I’m grateful to the countless people on the south island who’ve made emergency giving and climate philanthropy an important part of their lives year-round. Philanthropy begins in the heart and the home. Thanks to you, non-profits, charities, and their volunteers are supported during unexpected challenges and in preparation for them.
Communities like Jasper will have to rebuild, but through the goodness of community and the uplifting power of philanthropy, they will grow together. They will rebuild stronger than before and will foster supportive relationships that will last for years to come.
An invitation to Vital Signs 2024 launch
Finally, I’m pleased to announce the Victoria Foundation will host a public launch event for this year’s Vital Signs report on Sept. 24 at the Victoria Conference Centre, from 2 to 4 p.m. with a reception afterward.
The success of last year’s open-invite launch was remarkable, and we welcome you to join us again to delve into this year’s survey findings.
Our keynote speaker Elatia Abate — a renowned consultant on the future of work — will present on futurist thinking and leadership, and “How to Turn Trends into Tangible Results.” It’s a timely and deeply important topic as technologies around us rapidly evolve. Elatia tells us, “the future is uncertain, but we can be ready.”
I hope we will see you there!
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
