Stories

New endowment fund for high school scholarships

For students graduating from high school in BC and going on to a university or other post-secondary institution, Steven and Susan Rubin have established the Masonic Educational Endowment Fund through the Delta Community Foundation.

The $1,800 scholarship will be open to Canadian high school students and landed immigrants, of three years or more, who wish to attend a post secondary institution in Canada or Israel.

First administrator for Foundation

Posted on Nov 04, 2021

Dalyce Wickett has joined the Delta Community Foundation in the part time role of Administrator. The Foundation has been managed by an operations board of directors since its founding in 1986. This is a big step for the Foundation as it prepares to take more big steps to do much more, with more of us, for the community. Dalyce feels very fortunate to work in the community she calls home, to benefit ‘the charity for all charities’. She brings with her over 13 years of non profit experience in a variety of roles and is excited to join the Delta Community Foundation as we grow to meet the needs of even more individuals and charities in Delta.

North Delta community garden upgrades

Posted on Oct 28, 2021

Delta Rise Community Garden, in North Delta, improved its facility by providing equipment to those who may not have had their own, purchasing a potting table to help those with mobility concerns and those with larger harvests to more easily sort through their crops, and to make it easier to use the gardening hose. Funding for these improvements came from the Delta Community Foundation's Neighbourhood Small Grants program, sponsored by the Vancouver Foundation.

Seniors townhouse community BBQ

Posted on Oct 15, 2021

A 46-townhouse complex of mainly seniors held a BBQ in the common area on August 28th. With several new residents in the complex and everyone having been restricted from connecting with each other during Covid-19 the event was a great time to get together. The event was funded by Delta Foundation's Neighbourhood Small Grants program, sponsored by the Vancouver Foundation.

Garden to attract butterflies as pollinators

Posted by Peter Roaf on Oct 15, 2021

As a new member of the David Suzuki Foundation’s Butterflyway Project, Pamela Swanigan was delighted to receive space from the the Ladner Community Garden board and funding for plants from the Delta Foundation's Neighbourhood Small Grants program, funded by the Vancouver Foundation, to establish a garden for butterflies which, along with bees, are pollinators. The new butterfly garden is at Ladner Community Garden, 6467 Holly Park Drive in Ladner.

Scholarship to support business career

Nicole Orr, a class of 2021 graduate from Delta Secondary School, has her eye on a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Victoria, a Master of Management degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and then her own business. She is grateful for her $1,000 scholarship from the Delta Foundation which will help offset the cost and stress of student loans over her long academic journey so she can focus on her studies.

Career in performance dance for Delta Secondary scholar

Posted on Aug 24, 2021

Graduate of Delta Secondary School in 2021, Amelie Giusta, is pursuing her passion for contemporary dance at Ryerson University thanks to The Margaret and Les Callan Fund Scholarship which the Delta Community Foundation administers. Amelie plans to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance, become a dancer and perhaps become a contemporary dance teacher. She is grateful for the scholarship support that she says will enable her to reach her fullest personal and professional potential.

Bike Park & Pump Track built with grant support

Posted on Aug 17, 2021

A group of local dads worked with the City of Delta this summer to revamp a local bike park and pump track, thanks in part to a Neighbourhood Small Grant. They brought in an expert to design the new bike park and then bought the materials. The timing could not have been better to give kids in our community something active to do during these pandemic times!

The funding from this neighbourhood grant has allowed me to nourish and energize the kids and families with cold drinks and pre-packaged snacks. I was also able to provide tools such as shovels, rakes and a hose for the kids to help with the maintenance of the jumps. The fact that I could reward them with some sustenance and equipment was a nice recognition of their efforts. However, the benefit of the Neighbourhood Small Grant was so much deeper than just providing snacks. Equipping these kids to build, sustain and take ownership of their bike park is a lesson that cannot be measured. -- story and photos by Kristin Visscher, Project Leader

Rock the Block party in Tsawwassen neighbourhood

Posted on Aug 07, 2021

In the Stahaken Place townhome community in Tsawwassen 32 people from 12 families got together for the first time at a block party on August 7, 2021, thanks to a Neighbourhood Small Grant. Lulu Xie and Loretta Prim, who organized the event, said people were mingling and chatting. One neighbor found out their daughter was a colleague of another neighbor’s father. Another found out that a neighbor was the framer for another neighbor’s house, another who worked in the same industry, and some kids were in the same school. -- story and photos by Lulu Xie

North Delta residents connect through virtual garden show

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jun 15, 2021

Sunshine Hills Community Virtual Garden Show in North Delta provided a chance for local residents to connect in a different way through displays of their gardens, with support from the Neighbourhood Small Grants program.

Kindness Kits and Zoom Meet Up

Posted by Peter Roaf on Jun 09, 2021

Twelve Kindness Kits went to any Delta residents who signed up, and eight participated in a meetup on Zoom, in "Kindness Kits and Zoom Meet Up", with support from the Neighbourhood Small Grants program.

Produce boxes help families in need

Posted on May 25, 2021

One in four children in BC are poor and live in poverty, according to Statistics Canada (2016). Of the children being raised by single parents in BC, 50% are poor, according to BC Child Poverty Report Card, 2016, and single mothers are going hungry to feed their children. Mamas for Mamas is there for those parents who need help navigating eligible resources, applying for social supports, and getting direct intake support while joining a community that truly looks after each other.

With help from a Delta Foundation grant of $3,821, Mamas for Mamas is providing Sustainable Nourishment Produce Boxes to help low income families or those in crisis looking for food resources.

School District's indigenous heritage Giving Tree Project funded for information plaques

Posted by Peter Roaf on Apr 28, 2021

With red cedar trees having been planted at every Delta School District school and district site, as a way to build understanding, and show appreciation and respect for local First Nation culture, a $4,000 grant from Delta Foundation will help further the scope of this Giving Tree Project so a three-foot post can be installed next to each cedar with an information plaque to educate students and the community about the significance of the cedar. Each plaque will include a QR code linked to an educational video and will showcase art created by Karl Morgan, local Tsawwassen First Nation carver.

Recent grants through Delta Foundation

In recent years Delta Foundation has served as "charity for charities" in supporting 38 charities serving a wide range of causes for Delta residents.

New season for Neighbourhood Small Grants

Now more than ever, in BC, we need to stay connected with our neighbours and community members.

We want to support small-scale individual-led community projects that comply with the new social/physical distancing guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responsive Neighbourhood Small offer grants of up to $500 to individuals or family members from the same household or for those who are interested to collaborate with neighborhoods across British Columbia to build community strength and resilience, foster community creativity and wellbeing, and tackle social isolation.

Small grants can boost Delta neighbourhoods

Delta residents who want to connect and engage with others in their neighbourhoods, just to get to know them, or to make their community a better place to live, can do something about it with a Neighbourhood Small Grant from the Delta Foundation.

Based on a simple but powerful idea – that everyone is a valuable member of the community and that we all have something to share — Neighbourhood Small Grants of $50 to $500 can enable local residents to strengthen their community by bringing people together, sharing their skills and knowledge, celebrating diversity, and increasing their sense of belonging.

Delta communities meet their neighbours -- new season of Neighbourhood Small Grants now open

Posted on Feb 26, 2021

Neighbourhood Small Grants is a unique program that helps build community and strengthen connections right where people live - in their neighbourhoods. The program supports ordinary residents who have small but powerful ideas to bring people together and make their community vibrant. Through the support of a small grant (from $50-$500), residents are able to tap into their creativity and leadership skills to develop projects that benefit the community. Delta Foundation is offering this program once again to the Delta community, with funding support from the Vancouver Foundation.

Former Delta Foundation Chair receives Rotary award

Former Chair of the Delta Foundation Noel Philippot received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club of Ladner, which founded the Foundation in 1986, for his service above self to the Delta community as board director and chair of the Delta Foundation over several years. Paul Harris Fellow honourees are individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International, the world’s original service club, and for extraordinary service above self. https://tinyurl.com/56lr5kni

Fund to bring us back together as communities and help our economy

Posted on Feb 09, 2021

Charities, non-profits, Indigenous communities and local governments are among the organizations eligible to apply for funding of local, small-scale infrastructure projects aimed at bringing people back to the streets of our communities and public meeting places, after isolating for so long during the pandemic, and help boost our economy.

Whether it’s pop-up bike paths, community gardens, art installations or Wi-Fi hot spots or other programs and services, funding can be used for adapting public spaces, or for programming or services that respond to COVID-19 and serve the public or a community disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Canadians want to be able to work, live and play in safe, vibrant and inclusive communities. This program is designed to help communities achieve this potential. The Applicant Guide provides a full list of eligible organizations.

Learn more Feb 9, 10 am, about funding for projects
to work, live, play in safe, vibrant, inclusive communities

The Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada to support fund local, small-scale infrastructure projects, programming and services that respond to new realities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether it’s pop-up bike paths, community gardens, art installations or Wi-Fi hot spots or other programs and services, Canadians want to be able to work, live and play in safe, vibrant and inclusive communities. This program is designed to help communities achieve this potential.

Join Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Urban Institute on February 9th, 2021 at 10 AM PST for a special announcement and panel event focused on transforming public spaces to respond to COVID-19. For more information and to register

New expanded board for Delta Foundation

Posted on Jan 22, 2021

Delta Foundation, the community foundation for Delta as the local “charity for charities”, announces its board of directors for 2021, following a recent annual general meeting.

“This much larger board, of 13 directors instead of six, with its experienced, talented leaders,” says Delta Foundation President Peter Roaf, “will enable us, as Delta’s community foundation in regional and national networks, to build and develop in new ways so that we can do more for our charities in Delta as they serve the people of this community.”

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."

Homeless benefit from COVID-19 emergency fund

Posted on Jun 17, 2020

Homeless people in the community needing a little extra during the coming months ahead and into the Fall will receive gift cards, food and help if they come to the door of the Ladner United Church and Delta’s Emergency Response Shelter with the help of a $1,000 Covid19 Relief Grant from the Delta Foundation, Delta's community foundation.

Food Bank support from the O'Keeffe family

The O'Keeffe Family Fund and Sandra O'Keeffe have donated $2,508 to the South Delta Food Bank through the Delta Foundation. The Food Bank, which has experienced increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of five causes supported by the O'Keeffe family.

Poverty relief for mothers

In support of low income mothers and families, raising children as they struggle with trying to make ends meet, all volunteer Mamas for Mamas, in Delta, welcomes relief of $8,000. The new funds will cover the cost of groceries, diapers, formula, counseling and the part-time, temporary hiring of somebody to deliver and pick up. Funding of $4,000 comes from the Rotary Club of Ladner, which resonated with Mama’s for Mama’s vision that no mother or caregiver, or child, is left behind, especially during this even more challenging period of COVID-19 restrictions. The Delta Foundation matched that donation with another $4,000 in community relief funding. -- photo courtesy of Delta Optimist

Single moms get a hand up on Mother’s Day with help from Neighbourhood Small Grants

Posted on May 26, 2020

Single mothers were the focus of a Mother’s Day 2020 campaign by Mamas for Mamas to provide food to families when finances were tight and for those who did not want to leave their homes with children with auto immune disorders. A Neighbourhood Small Grant from the Delta Foundation, with funding from the Vancouver Foundation, helped stretch this support even further.