People living with dementia and their care partners are being invited to appear in a series of half-hour podcasts launched two years ago.
Podcast explores stories of love and memory loss
People living with dementia and their care partners are invited to perform at this year's event. Call to Mind: Audio Stories of Love and Amnesiaa half-hour podcast series launched two years ago.
While the podcast format has returned this year, the program has also been extended to an audio diary research project run by Mariko Sakamoto, a professor of nursing at the University of Victoria.
Participants in the research project will include people with dementia and their care partners who will be part of a small online support group to share their caregiving experiences.
The program aims to explore the value and impact of recording and sharing personal audio diaries through 12 weeks of sharing and storytelling sessions. Combining personal recordings and research observations, call to heart The podcast is expected to launch in late fall.
Last year's podcast series is available online at callomindpodcast.com/all-episodes.
In the “Beautiful Morning” podcast, participant Brenda Brophy and her late mother Dorothy (Dot) Finnerty celebrate what would have been Dorothy (Dot) Finnerty's 101st birthday. At the time of recording, Brophy had brought her mother home to live with her.
The two talk about the kindness, love, and laughter that fills most of their day. But it also becomes clear that Brophy will have to deal with mental difficulties when her mother disappears in the 1950s, long before her daughter was born.
Support groups consist of 4-5 participants.
This project is open to anyone living in British Columbia who is not in long-term care or other assisted living facilities.
• For more information or to get involved, visit callomindpodcast.com/get-involved.
Victoria Foundation considering community grant application
The Victoria Foundation is accepting applications for the Vital Grants stream of the Foundation's 2024 Community Grants Program, which provides funding to the nonprofit sector in the Capital Region.
The program provides grants of up to $30,000 to support organizations whose work contributes to the well-being of their communities. The goal is to strengthen local nonprofit organizations with flexible general operating funds.
“From environmental initiatives to arts and culture, housing, youth and seniors services and more, the Community Grants Program supports capital cities by funding all kinds of initiatives that promote social, cultural and environmental change. We are contributing to the well-being and resilience of our communities,” said Sandra Richardson, CEO of the nonprofit sector broad-based funder.
The 2024 Community Grants Program has two grant streams, the Vital Stream and the Collaboration Stream, each with separate recruitment schedules. The Vital Grant Stream is currently accepting applications, and the Collaboration Grant Stream will launch later this fall.
Last year, the Community Grants Program distributed more than $4.89 million to 199 organizations. Of these, 154 organizations or projects generated significant benefits for equity-worthy groups. The program is part of the Victoria Foundation's overall grantmaking strategy, giving the organization more than $27 million in grants in 2023.
The deadline for Vital Grant Stream grant applications is March 7, and funds will be distributed in July.
• Visit victoriafoundation.bc.ca for more information, guidelines, resources and how to apply.
Build strong neighborhoods with City of Victoria grants
Applications are now open for the City of Victoria's two annual programs: Great Neighborhood Grant and Local Champions. This program helps residents build strong neighborhoods.
Funds from the My Great Neighborhood Grant can be used for community projects and events that support vibrant and resilient communities. Residents and community groups can apply for up to $7,500 for placemaking and community resiliency projects and up to $1,500 for events and activities.
The Local Champions Program provides training to help you become more proactive in planning neighborhood projects.
“It's exciting to see what's possible when residents have the capital and skills to make community projects a reality,” said Mayor Marianne Alt. “This resident-led activity helps build experiential connections in neighborhoods. Projects like this create a rich sense of place and lend themselves to joyful celebrations, while also making communities more resilient during difficult times.” Make it powerful.”
Local Champions is a community-based leadership development program in which 24 participants gain skills, confidence, and connections to become more actively involved in planning neighborhood-led projects and activities.
A 6-part course valued at $2,500 is offered for $250. There are a limited number of fully funded spaces, five of which are set aside for climate projects that promote energy-efficient homes. Applications close on March 1st.
The city has allocated more than $140,000 in My Great Neighborhood grants this year. Since the program began in 2016, the city has spent more than $1 million on more than 300 projects.
My Great Neighborhood grant applications will be reviewed monthly through October 31st.
• For more information, visit victoria.ca/neighbourhoods.
“Show of Heart” is a variety show that has supported children for 58 years.
Enjoy an afternoon filled with an impressive roster of celebrities and special guests at the annual Variety Show of Hearts, which airs every Sunday, February 25th on Global BC.
The telethon, now in its 58th year, raises funds for British Columbian children with disabilities and complex health needs. Last year's event received 9,800 donations.
Viewers can expect special appearances from Adam Beach, Evan Goldberg, Joe Jonas, Barenaked Ladies, Eric McCormack, Natalie Portman, Seth Rogen, Martin Short, George Stroumboulopoulos, and more. is. There will be musical performances by Isanabee, Tom Cochrane, The Reclaws, Walk Off the Earth and more.
“We are extremely honored and humbled by the support of celebrities and celebrities throughout our 58 years of hosting the variety show 'Show of Hearts,'” said Andrea Tan, CEO of Variety BC. .
Their help comes in difficult times.
“Unfortunately, with the rising cost of living and strained health care systems, an unprecedented number of families are requesting funding from Variety BC,” Tan said.
The TVathon will highlight some of the children supported by Variety, including Victoria's Grace. Her 3-year-old girl was born with Down syndrome, requires ongoing care with her diet, and has delayed cognitive development.
Variety plays a role in funding regular physical therapy sessions that help with her physical development and mobility.
Last year, Variety received more than $11 million from donors. Variety grants supported approximately 6,650 children and their families in 240 communities across the state in 2023.
The program will be broadcast on Global TV from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm on February 25th. For more information, visit variety.bc.ca.
parrais@timescolonist.com