We are currently recruiting volunteer Peer Support Group Facilitators virtually and regionally across British Columbia. Some of our support groups have recently closed due to a facilitator shortage and we need your help! We know that peer support groups offer a crucial lifeline to people living with borderline personality disorder and the hope is to not only keep our doors open, but keep expanding. If you are or know a person living with BPD or a loved one of someone living with BPD and are interested in facilitating at one of our support groups, we would love to hear from you! The areas of greatest need right now are in Nanaimo, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Victoria. Training is held every 2nd Saturday of each month 1-5 pm (PST) over Zoom. Our next training session will be adjusted for summer hours to August 28. For more information and to apply, please review our volunteer job description here: https://www.bpdbc.ca/volunteer. For any questions you may have contact the Volunteer Manager, Jay, at volunteer@bpdbc.ca. We look forward to creating more support throughout BC for folks with BPD and their loved ones and we hope you will be part of our efforts.

Join us for a fun-filled day with 20+ dog-focused vendors, face painting, a raffle basket, and more! All funds raised support our Search Fund mission—helping us continue finding the missing and bringing hope to families.

We’re excited to announce $197,305 and 17 grants have been distributed across the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys, through the Valley First Community Endowment. Among the recipients is Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society, which received funding to support their One-to-One Children's Reading Program. Each year more and more children with English as a second language begin elementary school in the Central Okanagan, with some elementary schools seeing over 70% of grade one students who do not read English.   "The ability to read well is one of the strongest indicators of how well a child will do in school and in post-secondary education. This grant will be supporting over 80 children in 12 elementary schools in the 2025-26 school year.” ~Paul Zuurbier, Executive Director 2025 marks a milestone year for the Foundation as it grants a total of $2,278,326, the equivalent of a 12% disbursement rate, through its 18 endowments to charities across British Columbia. Photo credit: Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society Read about our 2025 grantees: 2025 Grantees - First West Foundation Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union

First West Foundation is delighted to announce its Island Savings Community Endowment has awarded $225,000 to 17 charities across the region. One recipient, Victoria-based Human-Nature Counselling Society, has received a three-year commitment totaling $45,000 for its Guam Guam Specums (Strong Flowers) program, promoting positive mental health outcomes among vulnerable Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. 2025 marks a milestone year for the Foundation as it grants a total of $2,278,326, the equivalent of a 12% disbursement rate, through its 18 endowments to charities across British Columbia. Photo credit:  Human-Nature Counselling Society Read about our 2025 grantees: 2025 Grantees - First West Foundation Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union

Exciting news! The First West Foundation, through its Envision Financial Community Endowment, has awarded $517,680 to charities throughout the Fraser Valley, distributing 29 grants through a variety of grant streams. Among the recipients is Rick’s Heart Foundation, which received $20,000 to support the expansion of their Heart for Music Program. The Foundation provides seniors, living in long-term care, with access to vital music therapy and recreational therapy. More than 300 seniors will benefit from enhanced connection, creativity, and well-being, all delivered through music! What’s your favourite music to listen to? 2025 marks a milestone year for the Foundation as it grants a total of $2,278,326, the equivalent of a 12% disbursement rate, through its 18 endowments to charities across British Columbia. Photo credit: Rick's Heart Foundation Read about our 2025 grantees: 2025 Grantees - First West Foundation Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union

Calling All Local Businesses – Be Part of Kamloops’ First-Ever Dog-Focused Market! We’re putting together a community raffle basket for the upcoming SRD K9s Summer Dog Lovers Market on August 17, and we’re looking for local businesses who’d like to donate a prize. Whether your business is dog-focused or not, this is a great opportunity to: • Promote your business to a passionate, engaged crowd • Support a local non-profit doing meaningful work • Be part of Kamloops’ first-ever indoor market dedicated to dogs and the people who love them All raffle proceeds support SRD K9s and our ongoing search and recovery efforts across BC. Your donation, big or small, will be recognized and shared on our social media channels. Here’s how your business can get involved: 1. Donate an item to our raffle 2. Sponsor the event and receive recognition on social media and our website Want to join in or learn more? Email us at info@srdk9s.ca or bmigueles@srdk9s.ca — let’s come together to make this event one to remember!!!!