Home Page | Delta Community Foundation

The community foundation

for Delta, British Columbia, Canada

As Delta's only community foundation, we provide an opportunity for donors to become community builders. We help donors develop their philanthropic goals then achieve those goals. We do that by matching their interests and concerns with community needs and opportunities. Then we find innovative and responsible ways to give their investments lasting impact for the long term. Our charitable tax number is 0765560-63-27.

Emergency funding to more Delta charities for vulnerable populations

Posted on Nov 21, 2020

Another seven Delta charities, supporting populations more vulnerable than normal, during the the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, have received $76,370 in funding from the Delta Foundation through the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), launched in early October.

This Round 2 of funding follows the original Round launched in the Spring when Delta Foundation granted $181,860 to eight Delta charities for vulnerable populations.

Making Christmas brighter for low income families in Delta

Posted on Nov 20, 2020

For more than 30 years low income families throughout Delta have been receiving hampers of food at Christmas time to give a hand up in making their festive season a little happier. There have been 650 families receiving these food hampers in recent time, thanks to food drives in Delta schools and to Deltassist, which runs the program with donations and volunteers from many Delta charities and non-profits.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic there are no school food drives. Nor is there the small army of volunteers packing and delivering door-to-door 1,200 to 1,500 boxes (two to three boxes of food per hamper depending upon the size of the family) with canned goods, dry goods like pasta, bread, cookies, fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, candy canes and a 5 to 7 kg. turkey.

Instead, the Tsawwassen Order of Old Bastards (TOOB) has received $17,000 in emergency funding from the Delta Foundation towards purchase of food gift cards for the 650 families.

Kids in need can eat so they can learn

Posted on Nov 19, 2020

When children and youth in low income families have sufficient food to eat at home, they can focus better on their learning and social skills. That benefits not only them and their families, it benefits their teachers and their schools.

South Delta Baptist Church, in Tsawwassen, runs a Starfish Pack Program for that purpose. Delta Foundation has granted $17,000 in emergency funding to the Church so it can continue with this project to make sure that kids are fed over the weekend so that they come to school on Mondays ready to learn. The mission of Starfish Pack is to love kids by providing them with nourishment.

Improving visiting for clients in residential care and their loved ones

Posted on Nov 19, 2020

Residents of long term care – among the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic – and their visiting family and friends, at KinVillage in Ladner, will now be able to enjoy a safe, indoor visiting area with the support of $10,000 from the Delta Foundation.

A safe and pleasurable visiting opportunity for each KinVillage long term resident during the pandemic is aimed at the overall mental well-being of each frail person in overcoming the sense of isolation and loneliness through social connections with their significant others.

The new system being installed will allow residents and their family and friends to connect safely in person through a variety of ways including virtual visits, "glass-door visits" and "in-person/social visits" will support the emotional well-being of our vulnerable older adults and at the same time help meet some of the needs of their family/friends.

Horseback riding good therapy for mental health

Posted on Nov 19, 2020

Therapeutic horseback riding has proven to relieve depression and improve overall mental health, affecting more Delta residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and those with mental and physical ability issues in more intense ways. Educational activities, provided by Delta-based Pony Pals Therapeutic Riding Association (PPTRA), involves specially trained horses and therapists in helping people with mental illness, children and youth and persons with disabilities. PPTRA will be able to respond to the growing need for this form of therapy during the pandemic with the support of $5,370 from the Delta Foundation, for its Equine Facilitated Mental Health (EFMH) Program for Covid-19 Vulnerable Populations.

PPTRA provides the people of Delta, Surrey, Burnaby, New Westminster and White Rock, with therapeutic horseback riding services and equine assisted therapies to promote physical, psychological, developmental and social well being of clients of all ages. Clients learn stress coping and reduction, interacting in a physically and socially safe way, in real time, fostering a normalized shared therapeutic experience, increasing acceptance, self-esteem, equality, access, safe social interaction and well-being.

Seniors can continue to learn their way to a more stimulating and active life

Posted on Nov 18, 2020

For many seniors and elders in South Delta, living independently or in residential facilities, life can be rather isolated and lonely, affecting mental, physical and emotional quality of life. Since 2003 ElderCollege Delta Society, run by volunteer seniors, has been improving the quality of life for seniors by advancing their education through courses, instructional seminars, field trips and workshops.

With $7,000 from the Delta Foundation, as emergency community funding for charities serving vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, ElderCollege can apply this funding to continuing, as and how possible, its fall and spring program of 76 courses, seminars and field trips, totalling 295 course hours for 717 attendees as well as its free public talks for 720 attendees and presentations at care homes in South Delta.

Children and youth suffering from reduced community services can continue to benefit

Posted on Nov 18, 2020

The three Boys and Girls Clubs in Delta normally serve more than 150 children and youth per day in programs outside of school, but, with physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to close their facilities in March and have had their service reduced to serving only 43 per day. All the BGC clubs now have waitlists for available spaces, with not only revenues down, but staffing costs increased with higher staff-to-participant ratios for ensuring safety protocols with fewer volunteers to help.

Staff at the three BGC clubs have maintained contact with Club families via email, phone, and text, and started offering virtual programs in April and have provided grocery store gift cards for families who needed extra support.

With $16,000 in emergency funding during the pandemic from the Delta Foundation, BCC in Delta can continue to offer in-person and virtual after-school programming and day camps for kids aged 6-12 through the three local clubs.

People with developmental disabilities can continue to benefit in pandemic with care staff protective equipment

People with developmental disabilities can reach their full potential by living and belonging in their community with the help of Delta Community Living Society (DCLS), which facilitates community connections, family supports, employment opportunities, and supportive housing options with a commitment to life-long learning, choice and self-determination.

In providing this service, DCLS staff have had to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and provide cleaning supplies to keep themselves and their clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, amounting to an unanticipated and extraordinary expense.

Delta Foundation is providing $6,000 to DCLS so it can cover some of this increased expense during this community emergency in serving vulnerable populations so the charity can continue to provide the necessary supplies to its teams while continuing to offer vital services to people with developmental disabilities in our community.

back to school packs for those in need

Posted on Oct 22, 2020

A Neighbourhood Small Grant recipient reported: Each year, my sister and I put together backpacks filled with school supplies and donate them to our former elementary school, Hellings Elementary, in North Delta, in hopes that it can be passed on to a student in need. With the ongoing pandemic, we recognize that many families in Delta may be experiencing financial hardships during this difficult time, therefore we decided to make our Back(pack) to School initiative bigger this year and include other elementary schools in our catchment.

Virtual support for Delta’s Stroke survivors

Stroke survivors need to access recovery programs beyond their initial rehabilitation period to ease the challenge of living with changes in their lives. In this period of pandemic restrictions, it’s essential to provide Stroke survivors, in the Speech Language Pathology Program, with the technology and confidence they need to access recovery programs online instead of in person.

With a total of $4,500 from the Delta Foundation, in part from emergency support funds from the Vancouver Foundation, Delta Stroke Recovery Society can move its in-person Speech Language Pathology Program online, by purchasing tablets and employing a Speech Language Pathologist Practitioner.

Posted on Oct 05, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be an unpredictable challenge for many people and organizations, with some communities experiencing higher levels of vulnerability than others. Marginalized groups, youth, children and the elderly, essential workers, and newcomers are just some of the communities that have faced increased challenges. To provide emergency relief, the Government of Canada launched the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) to help support communities made increasingly vulnerable by the pandemic.

With COVID-19 cases increasing in many communities, and a continuous call for emergency relief, the ECSF will reopen with a Round 2 of funding, providing much-needed assistance to charities and non-profit organizations serving communities experiencing vulnerability.

Love of books among children project funded by a Neighbourhood Small Grant

Having worked with young children for over 25 years and seen how important early literacy is, Delta resident Denise Sheridan brought books to young children in her neighbourhood with her project, Neighbourhood Love for Literacy. A Neighbourhood Small Grant from the Delta Foundation made the project possible.

Sunshine Hills Virtual Garden Show supported with a Neighbourhood Small Grant

Posted on Aug 16, 2020

When plans to have a neighbourhood bbq were put on hold because of COVID-19 restrictions a North Delta neighbourhood came up with a virtual replacement. The Sunshine Hills Virtual Garden Show attracted 51 entrants and 85 entries, with support of a Neighbourhood Small Grant from the Delta Foundation, with funding from the Vancouver Foundation.

Pastry parade helped by Neighbourhood Small Grant

Posted on Aug 14, 2020

The challenge in organizing a Pastry Parade on Canada Day, July 1, 2020, in a local Delta community was increased when faced with the questions: "How do we celebrate safely during a pandemic?; how do we celebrate our neighbourhood, get out and have fun while including everyone and maintain social distancing?"

Thanks to a Neighbourhood Small Grant from the Delta Foundation, with funds from Vancouver Foundation, one of the organizers says, "We hosted a 'pastry parade'! My kids and I handed out flyers around the entire block inviting everyone to join us as spectators at the end of their driveways , or as participants rollin' , strollin' or dancing down the street. The turn out was truthfully greater than I had expected and I couldn't be more pleased."

Delta charities for vulnerable populations receive emergency funding

Posted on Jul 17, 2020

A survey conducted in April found that 80% of charities in Canada were operating with decreased capacity and nearly one in five organizations had suspended or ceased their operations. The projected financial losses for registered charities in Canada is between $9.5 billion and $15.7 billion.

Eight Delta charities, supporting populations more vulnerable than normal, during the health threat and economic downturn of the COVID-19 pandemic, have received $181,860 in funding from the Delta Foundation through the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), launched on May 19, 2020.

Meals on Wheels continues with meals to housebound North Delta residents with emergency grant

Posted on Jul 15, 2020

North Delta residents housebound by restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the elderly, low income families and those living with mental illness, will continue to receive freshly prepared, nutritious meals from Surrey-North Delta Meals on Wheels, thanks in part to $15,000 in emergency funding from the Delta Foundation.

Near by Far Canada Day Block Party with Neighbourhood Small Grant

Posted on Aug 05, 2020

Since most plans were cancelled on Canada Day, one family in Ladner thought it would be nice to connect with their neighbours and have a 7 pm parade around our block, with support from the Delta Foundation with a Neighbourhood Small Grant from funds through Vancouver Foundation.

One of the organizers says, "Last year our street held our 1st block party and it was a success, so with most people home we sent out invitations for our neighbours to join us on the street (at the end of our driveways) for dinner, followed by the parade and doorstep photos.

Adults with mental illness trying to find a job and some stability supported through pandemic emergency funding

Posted on Jul 07, 2020

For people living with mental illness and with low income, sometimes poverty, Options Community Services help them help themselves and, in turn, promotes safe, healthy, vibrant communities. At the Delta clubhouse, Options provides psychosocial rehabilitation programs related to employment, leisure, basic living skills and wellness. It focuses on participants’ strengths and emphasizes a person’s potential for recovery -- recovery as a personal journey rather than a set outcome, developing hope, a secure base and sense of self, supportive relationships, empowerment, social inclusion, coping skills and meaning.

The “Ready to Work (R2W)” project aims to reduce barriers in finding employment post-COVID-19 for those of age 19 years and older by increasing employability among clients experiencing mental illness.

Delta Foundation has provided $8,000 in emergency funding to the Options Ready to Work project.

Posted on Jul 16, 2020

For individuals and families experiencing job loss, homelessness and other financial struggles in North Delta, it has been an especially difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn. Access to food is most important for these members of the community. To relieve the stress of limited access to, and affordability of, food, and the additional stress that can lead to a rise in domestic violence, Deltassist Family and Community Services Society is substituting for the normally functioning food bank in North Delta which was forced to close during the pandemic.

“Deltassist Temporary North Delta Food Bank” is now serving 708 people in North Delta in need during the pandemic by purchasing every two weeks grocery gift cards so families can purchase perishable food and receive prepackaged food bags from the Surrey Food Bank.

Delta Foundation has provided $70,000 in emergency funding to the food bank.

Autism early intervention therapy for children supported through pandemic emergency funding

Posted on Jul 14, 2020

Children and youth with special needs and their families have received support from Reach Child and Youth Development Society (REACH) for more than 60 years in Delta, Surrey and Langley. Every year Reach provides support for 1,200 children from birth to nineteen years of age with Autism, and developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, behavioural and mental health challenges. The family-centered, individualized, and responsive approach means that families experience success
and each child is given the opportunity to reach their potential.

With emergency funding of $25,805 from the Delta Foundation, the “Virtual Autism Early Intervention Therapies Program” is ensuring REACH can provide online autism-related sessions so that children continue to receive the support programs and services that they need to reach their potential. The program also sees that families are supported with the tools, materials, equipment and guidance necessary to support their child's continued development from home where in-person services are not feasible.

Women and children escaping domestic violence supported through pandemic emergency funding

Posted on Jul 09, 2020

W I N G S Fellowship Ministries provides women and children in need, the opportunity to gain strength and live according to their worth. For women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, WINGS provides safe, warm, friendly, caring environments through housing and support services. The charity allows its clients to work through various stages of well-being, from crisis to long-term stability by providing a full range of support services. It provides a safe and supportive environment so that clients have the opportunity to hear about and understand their unique value and worth and begin to experience the potential this can mean in their lives.

During the “COVID-19 Mental Health and Well Being Project” WINGS is providing clients assistance with the self help tools to support mental well being and a way to reduce their contact with other people with help from the Delta Foundation, which has provided the charity with $18,000 in emergency funding.

Youth suffering from substance abuse can find a virtual safe place supported through pandemic emergency funding

Posted on Jul 18, 2020

According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, 25% of Canadians aged 18-54 report their alcohol consumption has increased. This means youth are either drinking more and/or have someone close to them drinking more. In current conditions, during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, many youth are feeling isolated and alone and are unaware there are others just like them in their community.

Little House Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Society is a Delta community hub of services and resources promoting health and wellness through prevention, education, and collaboration with community stakeholders. We provide a comfortable, accessible and safe place for individual and family counselling, assessment and referral, recovery meetings, and peer-to-peer support.

With additional support of $ $10,000 in emergency funding from the Delta Foundation, the Little House “Heart of the Youth” program is providing to youth, affected by substance use disorder, an online, safe, non-judgemental space to share their thoughts and feelings, begin to heal and develop a supportive community.

Little sisters have a study buddy with a big sister thanks to pandemic emergency funding

Posted on Jul 14, 2020

Every day, youth in our community face challenges like bullying, isolation, poverty, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and more. Big Sisters caseworkers carefully match Little Sisters with female adult mentors who help them overcome adversities, make healthy choices, and ultimately reach their full potential. The aim is to enable life-changing mentoring relationships and ignite the power and potential of young people.

“Study Buddy” is one of three, no-cost tutoring and mentoring programs of Big Sisters. It is a weekly one-to-one mentoring relationship that focuses on school work for at risk girls aged 7 to 17 years from low income families, through one hour sessions outside of school time to work on school subjects and study skills. The program is continuing to provide this valued service with $ $5,055 in emergency funding from the Delta Foundation.

Low income mothers supported through pandemic emergency funding

Posted on Jul 12, 2020

Think selflessly like a mother. She wants to help not just her own family, but all those on low income trying to keep up with food, hygiene, housing and other essentials for their families. That’s been particularly tough during economic downturn and restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Respond Like a Mother” is a program to help all those moms and their families who need a hand up, brought to Delta by Mamas for Mamas of Metro Vancouver. The Delta Foundation has provided $30,000 to Mamas for Mamas to support that program.

Sunshine Hills Poker Run support from Neighbourhood Small Grants

Posted on Jun 29, 2020

The Sunshine Hills Poker Run event on June 20, 2020, was a huge success, with the support of a Neighbourhood Small Grant from the Delta Foundation.

One of the event organizers, Jennifer Dimmock, says: "The event attracted an overwhelming 113 registrants and 96 participated in the pouring rain. I've received so many positive responses and when I'm walking around the neighbourhood, others who didn't participate say they've heard it was a blast. As we followed Covid-19 rules, the amount of work that we put into it was insane...manually tracking poker hands and responding to almost 1000 text messages between 10am to 3pm for selfies that were submitted. This doesn't include the preparation prior to and even after the event was done. Everyone couldn't believe that it was just my husband and myself behind the scenes."